Concern over Graydog's "Dreamtime" designs - culturally inappropriate

[DecafJane]

I am not sure how many international people are aware of the fact that copying the designs or even style of Australian aboriginal art is considered culturally offensive and detrimental to Australian Aborigines, but here is an article that explains some of the reasons behind it.

I like Graydog designs and they are so friendly to deal with, and I am sure that they would not be doing this if they realised that it was inappropriate, but they seem to be making a number of items in a style inspired by aboriginal art and even going so far as to call it "Dreamtime." I know that a lot of the designers on e-bay take inspiration from the designs of others, but I think that making designs based on the work of another distinctive indigenous culture without concern over the cultural implications is a bit concerning and offensive.

Do you think I should contact them? Is this something that people in the USA are aware of, or is it common practice to copy indigenous art in your own designs?

[Kuchen]

I would guess that they don't know and made an honest mistake.

[Tangles]

How exactly is this any different from using a generic Celtic design or generic Native American design?

So long as the artist avoids using a specific clan emblem, or otherwise make pretensions to authenticity, I don't see the problem.

[Nat242]

Decaf Jane, why don't you write to them, and direct them to a few resources on the problems of the appropriation of Aboriginal culture and art? It's probably an innocent mistake, and they're probably unaware of the cultural context surrounding Aboriginal art.

Funnily enough, as I'm writing this an ad for Voyages Hotels and Resorts is flashing above, advertising adventures at "Ayers Rock". Cough.

[DecafJane]

Have you read the link yet? It explains it better than I could.

I can see pros and cons in using their design in your own artwork, but I think it is important to respect the beliefs and cultural integrity of the people whose designs you are borrowing. Some could almost see it as a form of identity theft and dilution of cultural symbols.

Edit: Nat - "Ayers Rock!" Oh dear.

I think I will let them know, but I just wanted to get an impression from the US members of the forum on whether this was standard practice in your culture.

[wendyg]

I have no idea if they know. But how many people here would hesitate to wear plaid because specific Tartans have cultural meaning in Scotland? There are so many cultures in the world and so many ways to offend.

wg

[wendyg]

decafjane: could you point to an image you believe they've copied or appropriated?

wg

[Tangles]

Maybe I'm incredibly dense, but I still don't see how this should be illegal. I mean, I guess it is a bit tacky and not culturally sensitive but if this wasn't legal then a lot of similar merchandise would be also.

[Nat242]

Wendy and Tangles - it's a complex issue that's difficult to explain in a post. The indigenous people of Australia are engaged in an ongoing struggle to have ownership over their cultural art forms, and to prevent the appropriation, misuse, and removal of their art from the overall cultural context. There has been a history of cultural and artistic appropriation in this country, as well as the denial of Aboriginal/tribal ownership over their art.

In addition, art provides an important medium for cultural education (for both Aboriginal people, to keep their culture alive, and for the education of non-indigenous people) and indigenous empowerment in Australia. If I understand correctly (and there are diverse views on this topic, even within indigenous communities, as Aboriginal culture and language is still amazingly diverse, even after genocide), non-Indigenous artists may use Indigenous design forms and techniques, but it is expected that there is some consultation with Indigenous artists and a comprehensive understanding of the culture on the part of the non-Indigenous artist.

Remember that the indigenous inhabitants of Australia experienced genocide quite recently and complete extermination in some areas, were classified as "fauna" for an embarrassingly long time, and the attitude of terra nullius is still shockingly pervasive, though has thankfully been removed from legislation in the past decade or two.

The adoption of Aboriginal art and culture without consideration to the cultural background or consultation with the owners of that culture denies the cultural and economic power that appreciation for Aboriginal art should bestow.

I'm not sure if I can explain any better than that - I don't feel like I've done a very good job.

[freznow]

I never knew anything like this would cause offense, though I can sorta see why. But as far as I know, in the US it's fair game to take inspiration/methods/etc from others' work. Note the many many Americans who draw manga.

Definitely shoot Greydog an email, it's not something I would have considered before making something (If I were at all artistic) so it's entirely possible that they didn't know it was inappropriate.