Dreaming in Colour

The Balgo style comprises symbols drawn from traditional sand painting and drawing,and body painting. The overarching theme is the Dreaming,a complex and holistic concept that refers to the time of mythological Ancestral Beings or Sky Heroes,to the Law or the system of moral governance as well as to religious beliefs.

On display are a number of senior “masters” like Lucy Yukenbarri and Susie Bootja Bootja,both of who work with dots. Yukenbarri’s places hers close together to form scalloped lines while Bootja Bootja creates dotted colour fields.

Many artists also use their various painting styles to represent water sources and the importance of these in their lands. Commonly,Bob Dingle Tjapanangka and John Lee Tjakamarra portray Luurnpa,the Ancestral Kingfisher,who leads the Kukatja people to their lands in the Dreaming. Brandy Tjungurrayi also portrays important Dreaming figures,but in sharp geometrics.

Kathleen Paddoon is known for her dramatic use of bright colour and a particularly minimalist approach. Uniquely,Joan Nagomara works in the style of the early days of Balgo’s emergence,using it to show the ritual activities that tie her to her country. Eubena Nampitjin and Ningie Nangala Nangala work with the hills and rocky outcrops of their countries,representing these in a minimalist linear fashion. Emerging artists from the Balgo Hills include Pauline Sunfly,who paints using intense colour combinations,Miriam Baadjo,who presents the important Two Children Dreaming,and Jimmy Tchooga,who paints his father’s creation story.

The exhibition is being held at the Government Museum and Art Gallery till January 23