This is not an exhibition of an art form that’s ancient and dead. Australian aboriginal art has been gaining steam and notoriety since the 1970s, and this exhibition will bring several practicing contemporary artists to Seattle along with more than 100 paintings and sculptures from the last 40 years, extending traditions that go back thousands of years. Those who love pretty things to look at will be satisfied; so will those who want to ask, “Why do people make art?” (Seattle Art Museum, 1300 First Ave, www.seattleartmuseum.org, 10 am–5 pm, $17 suggested)