Hi
I was wondering if anyone can tell me about Historical/technological impact on Aboriginal Art?
I am aware of acrylic being introduced and the changes this had made in prodcution of art. What are the others? how has English language, CHristianity, new materials etc. changed visual art and how it has been adapted into writing, film, dance etc.
Particularly interested in what changes a written language may have Had. I have skimmed a book by Saegner(?) "Space Between Words", and he mentions that spacing created silent reading, whereas before readers had to speak the words of scripta continua to make it comprehensible.

Anyways, any help or pointers in the right direction would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you,

I am far from an expert on this topic, but I am a keen observer of what I call 'spiritual' art - art created as some form of religious or spiritual significance.

From what I understand, much of the traditional aboriginal 'art' - including spiritual art - was based on the spoken word and story cycles. These became elaborate 'plays' or ceremonies which were handed down, complete with costumes, musical (special effect) intruments, etc.

In less than 50 years of the notion of the written word, the visual arts, and good intentions (modernisation) - a good many of the spoken arts have been lost forever. I could easily play with the notion that much of what we consider aboriginal art - such as cave paintings, rock carvings, etc - could have been merely part of the set scenery, like we would see in a theatre. The real show was out in front - like I say, we will never know - unless someone masters time travel.