Although MOCA does not specifically point this out, all the works in the show, such as painted honey bags and hollow cherry tree logs, are made either for this particular exhibition or for general viewing instead of practical purposes. Aborigines do make similar things as utensils or ritual objects, but few outsiders would get to see them.
"The works were made for an outside audience and an art market. They have spiritual references, just as some contemporary art does, but they not for religious use," Mundine said.
The curator expressed hope that viewers would see the works not as artifacts of an aboriginal culture but as art, which may interest them with their particular forms or expression.
The Native Born: Contemporary Aboriginal Art from Australia runs until April 20 at the Museum of Contemporary Art, located at 39, Changan W. Rd., Taipei (
RSS