The AGO’s commitment to Oceanic art is signaled by the recent anonymous donation of the most significant collection of Australian Aboriginal art outside Australia. Focused largely on the late 18th through the early 20thcentury, this collection features remarkable depth in all of the areas of production – including bark paintings, stone objects, shields and boomerangs. Enhanced by an extensive compilation of historical publications and photographs, the AGO Oceanic collection is certain to challenge assumptions regarding greatness in various forms of art.
Unknown, Western Australia, Australia, Shield,mid-19th century, wood and ochre pigment, 74.0 x 21.0 cm. The Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto. Anonymous gift, 2002, ©2007 Art Gallery of Ontario.
