Culture

Indigenous Artists Gain International Recognition and Market Value

Works by Indigenous artists from Australia, Canada, and the Americas are commanding record prices at major auctions. Museums are actively working to repatriate artifacts and commission new Indigenous artworks.

A painting by Canadian Inuit artist Kenojuak Ashevak sold for $486,000 at a Toronto auction, setting a new record for Indigenous Canadian art. Collectors worldwide are recognizing the sophistication and cultural significance of Indigenous works.

The British Museum announced plans to return 72 artifacts to Indigenous communities in Australia and North America. The institution is also creating dedicated galleries for contemporary Indigenous art.

"For too long, Indigenous art was relegated to anthropology museums rather than celebrated in art museums," said curator Dr. Maria Yellowhorse. "That is finally changing as institutions recognize these are sophisticated artistic traditions."

Young Indigenous artists are gaining international followings by blending traditional techniques with contemporary themes. Haida artist Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas' manga-inspired works bridge Indigenous storytelling and Japanese pop culture.