Ian Abdulla
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Ian Abdulla | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1947 |
| Died | 29 January 2011 (aged 63–64) |
| Other names | Mr Ian W. Abdullah |
| Known for | Painting, contemporary Indigenous Australian art |
Ian Abdulla (1947 – 29 January 2011) was an Aboriginal Australian contemporary artist. A Ngarrindjeri man who grew up on the banks of the Murray in South Australia, he has been called Australia's greatest naive artist.[1]
Abdulla was born in 1947 at Swan Reach, on the Murray River, in the Murraylands region of South Australia.[2] His art depicts the landscape and activities of this area, with a strong storytelling element.
Career
In 1988, Abdulla learned printmaking at a workshop in Glossop,[2] and the following year he began painting.[2] In 1991 Abdulla was named South Australian Aboriginal Artist of the Year, and was awarded an Australia Council Fellowship in 1992.[3] His book, As I Grew Older was awarded the Australian Multicultural Children's Literature Award in 1994 and, Tucker was short-listed for the Children's Book Council Eve Pownall Award for Information Books in 1995.[4]
Abdulla's work featured on the cover of the World Health Organization's annual report.[5] His works have been exhibited around the world and form part of the permanent collection at the Art Gallery of South Australia and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.[6][7]
Death
Style
Works
Books
- Abdulla, Ian W. (1993). As I grew older: the life and times of a Nunga growing up along the Murray River. Norwood, South Australia: Omnibus Books. p. 40. ISBN 1-86291-160-6.[2]
- Abdulla, Ian W. (1994). Tucker. Norwood, South Australia: Omnibus Books. p. 36. ISBN 1-86291-206-8.[2]
Artworks
- Swimming before school (1995),[11] synthetic polymer paint on canvas, 239.5 x 160.0 cm stretcher. Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
- Pelicans at Katarapko (1994),[12] synthetic polymer paint on canvas, 121.8 x 151.5 x 4.0 cm stretcher. Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
