Darrell Sibosado is an Australian artist who brings a unique perspective to the world of art. His roots lie in the Aboriginal Bard tribe, from Lombadina on the Dampier Peninsula in Western Australia. According to Sibosado, Aboriginal art is a powerful form of storytelling, much like writing. He explains, “Rock art, carvings, and etchings are our written language. Storytelling, song, and dance are how we hold our history.”
Currently, his work is featured in an exclusive showcase by N Smith Gallery at the India Art Fair 2025 in New Delhi.
Sibosado believes that art is simply another language—a fresh way to share the stories and traditions of his people. He uses modern materials and techniques to convey these timeless tales. For instance, his piece Niman Aarl is crafted from a variety of natural materials, including mother-of-pearl, ebony, wood, and dugong bone. This piece showcases the traditional art of shell-carving found in his homeland.
The designs on Niman Aarl, known as riji, tell the story of Galalan, an important ancestor who shared laws and teachings with the people of Bard country. Sibosado notes that the Bards of Kimberley are acclaimed for their exquisite shell carvings, often seen in traditional jewelry worn by Aboriginal men. He says, “With my art, I continue our connection to these materials.”
More than 300 carved fish adorn Niman Aarl, each telling a story beyond just its shape. Sibosado explains, “It’s not just about the fish; it’s about what’s happening under the water and the disruptions in nature.”
In his quest to blend tradition with modernity, Sibosado transforms traditional shell-carving designs into large-scale light sculptures. Using enamel-coated metal and LED lights, these works reflect specific designs passed down from his family, showcasing the richness of Bard culture in a contemporary context. He aims to remind people that although Aboriginal culture is ancient, it remains relevant today.
He also incorporates ochre colors into his art, replicating hues from traditional carvings. Materials like corten steel catch his eye for their rust-like colors, mirroring the beautiful shades of natural ochre. Sibosado utilizes light to mimic the luminous quality of mother-of-pearl, illuminating the stories within his pieces.
Sibosado emphasizes the role of Indigenous people in biodiversity conservation. He believes art and culture are crucial for protecting wildlife. He states, “We are part of our natural environment. If we neglect our ecology, we lose our story.” By connecting art and nature, he seeks to inspire appreciation for both culture and the earth.
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Aboriginal Australian artist, Rock art, carvings, etchings, India Art Fair
