What is Western Desert Mob?

Western Desert Mob is a powerful alliance of Aboriginal art centres, painters, woodcarvers and weavers from the Ngaanyatjarra Region (nearby the Western Australian Border) - united to ensure the cultural and artistic integrity of artists and economic returns are retained in the community.

Who is responsible for the establishment of Western Desert Mob?

Western Desert Mob grew out of the existing alliances within the Ngaanyatjarra region.  Western Desert Mob is a partnership between Ngaanyatjarra art centres, established with the assistance of Aboriginal Economic Development, Department of Industry and Resources.



Is the Western Desert Mob a government funded project?

The Western Desert Mob is a self-sustainable alliance of artists and art centres that has the support of the WA Government.



What is Authentic Art?

The term ‘authentic’ is often used to describe a range of issues around the production and sale of all art – but particularly, Aboriginal art.  Authenticity can be broken up into two elements: the first is authenticity itself, that is, did the artist who is credited with that artwork actually produce that artwork, or was someone other than the credited artist responsible.  The second element is that of provenance, that is, where and how was the artwork produced, under what circumstances and how did that artwork travel from artist to the marketplace.

Authenticity and provenance is critical to retaining the value of Aboriginal art.  Those artworks with the best provenance and proven authenticity will hold their value most.  Authentic Aboriginal artworks, with strong provenance will always have a transparent, accountable history, from artist to gallery.

Unfortunately, some Aboriginal artworks are produced under questionable circumstances with artists receiving improper remuneration for their works. This situation significantly disadvantages the artist, their family and community.

In some cases, elderly artists are removed from their country and community, to regional towns, with the prime purpose of producing art, without accountability, family support or the individual and communal benefits of a community owned and managed art centre. 

In time, the difference in artistic style, passion and quality of an artist who paints in their own community and country, compared to the work of artists removed from their country, is profound.

Why should I support the Western Desert Mob?

The authentic artworks of Western Desert Mob artists are the ethical option for art collectors.  Buying art centre-sourced artwork ensures that artists, communities and ethical galleries are the sole beneficiaries– not unaccountable art dealers and privateers.

The Western Desert Mob encourages Aboriginal art collectors and galleries to ask about the circumstances in which artworks are created before purchasing.

Only through the support of authentic art will the future and value of Aboriginal art be sustained.