Every design project has that moment where someone shivers at talk of budget. When it comes to designers and homeowners, it’s often the topic of authentic Aboriginal art that makes them shiver. At first, the numbers are shocking, especially in comparison to mass produced prints and uninteresting gallery works. But here’s what those price tags mean and how understanding the true costs involved makes a whole different segment of society feel entirely different about them.
What Those Costs Represent
Authentic Aboriginal art isn’t ‘overpriced’ because galleries are raking in the profit margins. No, the price structure of art comes from something a little more personal than most buyers assume. This is work, cultural history and practical knowledge that spans weeks, if not months, of effort and a living artistic practice developed over tens of thousands of years.
To break down that cost per price purchaser, for instance, a known Aboriginal artist gets anywhere from $2,000 to $50,000+ for original works, in varying degrees based upon situation, size, detail, and story conveyed. Emerging artists can start from as low as $500 for smaller works ($2,500 for mid-sized pieces). There’s no arbitrary reason behind these prices—they account for years and years of effort on behalf of a person who knows their craft from cultural and ancestral channels.
Next in the price breakdown is gallery commission, averaging 40-50% of the sale. Before anyone gasps over such a cut, note what the galleries do. Legitimate Aboriginal art galleries host artist authentication to ensure quality of purchase, provide ongoing engagement and supplies to facilitate unique pieces over time (in remote locations, interestingly), manage relationships within remote communities for exposure purposes in reputable galleries, secure proper transportation from said communities and extensive education about cultural merit for buyers to learn and disperse upon purchase. This isn’t just some slap on the wrist operation; these costs are substantiated.
The Authentication Factor
This is where it gets interesting. There are some horror stories about counterfeit pieces (and barely adequate investment practitioners) which plague the Aboriginal art market with suggestive numbers that up to 80% of art in tourist sites is purely ‘Aboriginal-style’ (not from genuine Aboriginal people at all). Thus, authentication is needed, and it’s not cheap.
The costs associated with galleries place the buyer at peace knowing they have provenance documentation and reputable channels for such art acquisition. Legitimate galleries have access to important materials that make authentic pieces accessible but legitimized, meaning that this assurance comes at an additional cost. Buyers will want to look at their aboriginal gallery with fresh eyes so they can see how this will work in their location.
Somewhere between 20-30% per piece more than what one would get from questionable sources makes sense; it’s the price assurance of making sure that genuine Aboriginal artists are being paid instead of no one, or even worse, exploitative means that take advantage of native peoples. For any designer who works continuously with Aboriginal art in Australia, this is a factor that makes sense.
Size Does Matter
A small canvas (30cm x 40cm) from an emerging artist can start at $500-$800. A mid-sized piece (60cm x 90cm) from a mid-level artist generally ranges from $2,500-$8,000. A large statement piece (120cm x 180cm or larger) from an established artist often hits $15,000-$40,000 with no problem, and more.
The medium makes a difference as well. Bark paintings tend to be more expensive (no pun intended) due to preparation efforts and cultural implications over time. Canvas works depend on detail level and application expertise. Paper works or limited-edition prints increase accessibility (usually $200-$1,500) but do not have as much financial investment associated with them when it comes to sale as originals.
Additionally, some designers save money by doing one large original piece along with smaller works/quality prints to achieve an authentic Aboriginal feel throughout a home without breaking the bank. For example, a designer can include a $6,000 statement piece in the main living area and then include pieces between $800-$1,200 in secondary spaces which replicate culture through storytelling without financially overwhelming anyone.
Budgetary Concerns That People Don’t Always Think About
It’s not all about the sticker price, framing authentic Aboriginal art isn’t cheap, typically between $300-$1,500 dependent upon size and if the work needs conservation-quality materials or not. For unique framing efforts (i.e. UV-protective glass/acrylic), expect $200-$600 in additional efforts.
Insurance is something people rarely consider when they buy valuable Aboriginal art. Homeowners/business insurance should note valuable Aboriginal art as specifically named endeavors. Annual premiums will roughly be 1-2% of total value established for interested buyers.
Shipping presents a reality check from galleries/directly from remote arts centers. Small pieces range from $100; large pieces from $500+, especially if they come from central Australia or other natural settings. Professional installation runs $150-$400 plus, but often needs to be attained for unique placement purposes.
Investment Realities
Art proves valuable over time, especially Aboriginal art which has shown appreciation over the past several decades across various parameters. Many works show a difference in price by double or triple over 10-15 years span. But to buy Aboriginal art simply for financial avenue proves selfish, and often, misguided.
Works that appreciate the most genuinely belong to those who’ve had works showcased through group exhibitions/historically relevant points in different galleries/etc., who’ve had proven careers through legitimate means of advancement and artistic development. Buying emerging artists works more on speculation but presents better prices through initial acquisitions and potential investment opportunities down the line if their careers explode.
Most designers urge clients to buy what they love instead of what’s going to appreciate. If it appreciates over time? Fantastic. But the cultural value alone should account for all investments made.
Making It Work in Reality
Not every project accommodates $10,000+ worth of artwork, and that’s completely OK. Aboriginal art works across multiple price points. Emerging artists provide incredible access to new artists, and their smaller pieces start around $600-$1,200, making them much more appealing for new buyers designing new spaces looking for authenticity without overinflated costs at the onset.
Galleries often provide payment plans on larger pieces, typically broken down across 6-12 months. Art rental programs exist, but less so with Aboriginal art specifically, more common for corporate clients since offices change artwork more often than homes might.
Sometimes groups buying/co-commissioning works through arts centers can find better deals, but more research is needed along with time investment and establishment of relationships. This means less gallery support (but sometimes none needed) and more legitimate ethics/security, but this can save 30-40% less than gallery-represented retail price.
What Quality Really Costs
Bottom line? Authentic, legitimate artworks from living artists start at around $500 for small works, and go up based on artist reputation, size, engaging complexity and anecdotal merit across the board of reception/cost understanding. If a home project would like to include Aboriginal art as a major part of design, it should come with a budget-conscious value of at least $3,000-$8,000 for one major piece, with additional funds segregated for placement of smaller complementary pieces throughout.
When it comes down to it, if one feels overwhelmed by finances at first for authentic Aboriginal art pieces/projects, having a clear value proposition makes it much easier, the purchase history/culture resonates more than anything one can find legitimately sourced anywhere else around the world.
For fraction-of-the-price mass marketed alternatives? Sure! But they cut 90% of the appeal too; where authenticity matters professionally through personal aesthetic diplomacy efforts, it’s worth it to invest.
Artwork featured: KURUN WARUN / PUNDIN PARREEYT (LIVING WATER)