Brooke Burkhart, from the Penn State University, explains why she enjoyed creating art and learning about the history of dot painting within the Aboriginal communities in Australia. She writes:

I had many amazing experiences with all of the art-making we did throughout our abroad adventure.  One experience that particularly influenced me during this trip was the art-making and gallery tour we participated in at Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation, an Aboriginal art centre/gallery of Yuendumu, Northern Territory, Australia. The gallery is one of the longest running and most successful Aboriginal-owned art centres in Central Australia. 

During our time at the Warlu Art Centre, we learned about the history behind dot paintings and how the authentic paintings help the Aboriginal communities.  We met resident artists, explored the artworks in the gallery, and created art ourselves!  Many of my class members even supported the community by purchasing artworks that were for sale, it helps provide funds which support their special projects to improve the health and well-being of all the community.

SoVA class creating dot paintings at Warlu Art Centre

At the art centre, we were able to create our own dot paintings.  I felt very connected with the culture.  It was a very real experience; unlike the kinds of experiences you get from just viewing artwork at a tourist destination or in a formal gallery.  I really enjoyed being in such a meaningful and creative place.

Paint and common instrument used to create paintings

I created a dot painting of a frog.  In the middle is the frog with a purple/blue body and orange legs.  I chose to extent the circling dots outward to fill the canvas board.  This painting may look simple, but it was much harder than I had expected.  Not only was creating nicely rounded dots already very difficult, but then I also had to focus on the symmetry of the work and evenly spacing everything.  I quickly learned that the artists’ who create these paintings with such precision are extremely talented.

This experience opened my eyes to not only the challenges in creating dot art, but also the challenges in the communities’ and the lives of the Aboriginal peoples.  I am so glad I was provided the opportunity to learn about their past and present, and to create art with them.  Creating art is such a vital part in the communities, and I am so grateful to have supported and been a part of it.