Authenticity, Ethics & Cultural Advisement

Aboriginal art is not only a profound expression of the world’s oldest living culture, but also a vital economic and cultural force for Indigenous communities across Australia. As the popularity and value of Aboriginal art continues to grow, so too does the importance of buying with authenticity, respect, and ethical responsibility.
Whether you are a first-time buyer or seasoned collector, this guide will help you navigate the Aboriginal art market with confidence and cultural sensitivity.

 

Our Purchasing Practices

We source artworks exclusively from trusted and reputable industry participants. These include Aboriginal-owned Art Centres supported by the Australian Government,, direct family members of original artists, and other r We only acquire Aboriginal art through reputable galleries, dealers, and Aboriginal-owned community art centres with a proven track record of ethical practice. Knight Fine Art works with partners who:

  • Aboriginal-owned Art Centres supported by the Australian Government
  • Independent artists with whom we have maintained strong relationships spanning 20 to 30 years.
  • Galleries and dealers that have a proven track record of ethical practices and long-standing, mutually beneficial partnerships with the artists they represent.

By operating through these trusted channels, we ensure that artists receive fair compensation and that their cultural contributions are treated with respect.

Knight Fine Art are also members of the Indigenous Art Code (IAC) and Aboriginal Artists Association of Australia (AAAA). Both organisations promote ethical industry practices, including fair payment, fair working conditions, and ensure a supportive and respectful working environment for Indigenous Artists.

To read more about the IAC, click here.

For more information on the AAAA and to read their code of ethics, click here.

 

Authenticity

Authenticity is at the heart of what we do. Every artwork we place with a client is accompanied by:

  • A Certificate of Authenticity with details or the story or cultural significance behind the work
  • An artist CV detailing their career achievements
  • Any available provenance documentation (secondary market pieces)
  • This guarantees both the integrity of your investment and the preservation of cultural knowledge.

 

Materials

We are committed to only using the highest quality materials. The artists we represent use premium products such as Matisse and Atelier synthetic polymer paints, ensuring the longevity of their work. Unlike cheaper, student-grade alternatives, these professional materials retain their vibrancy and stability over time.

We have personally visited Libeco, the renowned Belgian manufacturer producing the linen and canvas we supply. Established in 1858, Libeco has built its reputation on excellence and craftsmanship.

For framing, we entrust Chapman and Bailey — a name synonymous with quality in the art industry for over 30 years. Their craftsmanship ensures each artwork is presented with the respect and care it deserves.

Investing in Indigenous Art

Indigenous art is part of a growing global market, but its true value lies in cultural preservation, community sustainability, and storytelling. Knight Fine Art see every purchase as both a personal journey for the collector and a meaningful act of reconciliation.

With over 30 years of experience in the industry, we have witnessed the transformative power of art for collectors and the communities it supports. When you acquire Aboriginal art through us, you are not just purchasing an artwork — you are becoming part of a living cultural legacy.

The Indigenous art sector has undergone a profound positive shift in recent decades. Exploitative practices that were once widespread in the 1980s and 1990s are now rare, thanks to stronger ethical standards and an increasingly competitive market that empowers artists with greater choice and opportunity.

Even the Global Financial Crisis, though challenging, ultimately elevated the industry by driving out less reputable operators and lifting overall standards. Today, both artistic output and ethical practice are stronger than ever.

Every acquisition through Knight Fine Art supports Indigenous artists and contributes to the preservation of their traditions for future generations.

 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisement Policy

Knight Fine Art respects Indigenous Culture and has attempted to ensure no material or item has been displayed throughout our organisation that is offensive to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Every care has been taken by Knight Fine Art  to ensure no objects of secret &/or sacred nature or culturally restricted information are displayed inappropriately. It is our policy to obtain approval from Aboriginal family groups and communities for permission to reproduce artworks, images and information utilised by Knight Fine Art. We understand that it is customary in Aboriginal Communities not to name or reproduce images of the recently deceased, we monitor this process strictly but do however wish to advise both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander’s that our gallery and website may contain names, images and artworks of people now deceased. Knight Fine Art apologises for any discomfort caused or oversights and encourages feedback from Indigenous and Non Indigenous people, Communities and Arts Workers.