Collecting Indigenous art: From the anthropological museum to the art museum

Authors

Ian A. McLean, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

77077

Publication Details

McLean, I. A.. Collecting Indigenous art: From the anthropological museum to the art museum. UWA Museum. 7 March. 2012.

Link to publisher version (URL)

UWA Museums

Abstract

Anthropologists made the first significant collections of Indigenous art and were the first to exhibit it as fine art. However, in the 1980s Australian State art galleries became enthusiastic collectors and began exhibiting it as contemporary art. Ian McLean’s lecture will trace the history of these developments, with a particular focus on the National Gallery of Australia, which boasts the world’s largest collection of Australian Indigenous art.