Ainslie Roberts and "The Black Pelicans and The Outcast"

Ainslie Roberts (12 March 1911 – 28 August 1993)

"a unique Australian artist and communicator"

The works of Ainslie Roberts hang in galleries and in corporate and private collections in Australia and throughout the world.

Millions have been introduced to the stories of the world's longest continuous civilisations through his Dreamtimepaintings. The myths represented in these paintings come from the longest continuous civilisations on earth - the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia. Ainslie Roberts is perhaps best known for his interpretations of Aboriginal legends in the best-selling book “The Dreamtime.” Charles P. Mountford was his collaborator in the making of this beautiful book

“"The Dreamtime” The Aboriginal Heritage; Roberts, Ainslie; Roberts, Melva Jean and was published in 1981 by Rigby, Adelaide.

This book comes in both Hard and soft cover and has a dust cover depicting an Ainslie Roberts painting. Ainslie Roberts (illustrator). 1st Edition was from Folio. If you are lucky maybe you may even find a First Edition. 144 pgs. The artist presents 24 new paintings, plus 43 enlarged from the first four volumes, together with the related myths and a lengthy introduction concerning the spirit of the Dreamtime."”

Ainslie Roberts tried, through his paintings and books, to communicate to the white people of Australia the sacredness of Aboriginal people and their culture.

This desire to share his knowledge is reflected in his paintings of Aboriginal myths and legends which explore the richness of the culture as he tries to interpret and communicate those themes to the wider, predominately white community.

A central focus is often the central theme and as such as a person, animal, tree, rock or celestial body is cast central stage but a secondary, sometimes hidden element then throws an additional light on the integral meaning of the work.

Roberts style is unique although his paintings were inspired by many of the influences of the early twentieth century.

He acknowledged a debt to famous Belgian surrealist René Magritte for his ability to reveal the secret meaning of the world and its objects.

His line drawings reflect both the technique and discipline of the commercial artist plus the inspiration of a critical observer of life and the landscape.

The influence of his work on social changes within Australia could be said to have partially led to Aboriginal citizenship, land rights and the Mabo decision and should not be underestimated.

The print depicted above is quite interesting in its subject matter and meaning - the original painting is in the collection of Ainslie Roberts son - Mr Rhys A. Roberts - the painting is also shown in the book "The Dreamtine" which he collaborated on with Mr Rigby.

author - a.a.gallagher

Jan 26th January 2011.