Australian Aboriginal art is one of the hottest areas of contemporary art in Australia today, and repesents an attractive investment option for many buyers. In recent years, the Aboriginal art market has attracted international attention and experienced exceptional growth which does not appear set to slow down in the medium term. At auction, Aboriginal art considerably outsells non-indigenous Australian art and has enormous international standing. Before entering the Aboriginal art market however, it is critical that investors are well informed, not only to ensure that art works are quality work by the best artists, but also to guarantee the authenticity and provenance of the art.

One of the first things to look for when buying any Aboriginal art or artefacts is a Certificate of Authenticity, which may be issued by the community in which the artist lives and works or may be provided by the gallery from which the artwork is purchased. Certificates issued by Aboriginal community art centres, individual artists and reputable galleries vary, however most include details such as the artist's name, language group and home community, the title, size and story of the work, and the name and code of the relevant art centre or gallery. A photo of the artist and the work is also often attached to the certificate.

When determining the relative value of a piece of Aboriginal art, many of the factors involved are similar to any other object or art form. An individual piece is in the first instance attractive to the buyer according to its immediate aesthetic value, but its current and future financial value depend on factors requiring careful research. These factors include the renown of the artist and in which period of the artist’s career the work was created. Additional factors particular to Australian Aboriginal art include the artist's age and seniority and their position in the historical development of the Aboriginal art movement.

Before buying a painting, research the artist in as much depth as possible. Determine whether the artist is represented in significant collections or galleries. Also determine how prolific the artist is, and whether there is good demand for the artist in the secondary market - in other words, at auction. Try to view as many works by the artist as possible in order to determine if the work under consideration is from a well regarded period or series. In many cases, works painted during certain periods are significantly more valuable than others. Finally, make sure you are aware of the current market value of the artist's works.

If all these factors seem daunting, ask for advice. The Australian Aboriginal art market is far more open than it once was, and increased competition has seen a marked improvement in service. Reputable dealers, gallery owners and auction houses have the necessary expertise and are generally happy to assist new investors. One final point to consider when investing in any art are additional expenses such as transaction costs, commissions, insurance and restoration charges. These costs can be high, so be sure to factor them into purchase prices where applicable.

Australian Aboriginal art has generally proved to be a solid investment over time. Work by important Aboriginal artists has increased in value markedly over the past 30 years, with individual works fetching prices as high 50,000 at international auction. Prudent investors who have developed good relationships with specialist galleries can derive great pleasure from collecting the art of the world’s oldest living indigenous culture, and can also be assured that the artists in question have been treated fairly and ethically, and that their investment is secure.

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