 Index
The Kimberley, has about 28 different languages and cultures, all responsible for different types of country. The Kimberley is predominantly Aboriginal country, and many people have retained their essential contact with the land. There is a constant tension between the Aboriginal as a creator and the white Art Market that consumes this work. As a westerner it is easy to judge the work from this area in terms of colour line and form. The greater depth of Aboriginal cultural expression is obvious when each work is viewed in terms of where these works were created, then story, culture, country and community become the important elements or reference points. The intimacy the Kimberley peoples have with their land means the landscape is depicted from a combination of perspective’s, incorporating contemporary and historical references as well as dreamtime stories, this spherical perspective allows many levels of meaning to be put into the works. The celebration of land is evident in all the Kimberley works and is possibly the consistent link between the different schools of painting which are emerging from this region. These schools of painting are also linked to exposure to different media. The use of canvas, paper and acrylic paints in Fitzroy, Balgo and Halls Creek, is relatively new and has seen colour exploding from every inch of the canvas or paper. While the turkey Creek and Kununurra based artists, insist on using ochre, if it is truly the land it needs to be painted with the land. Hence the subtle and richly textured works of Warmun. While the wandjina varies according to materials available and sometimes is painted in acrylic and other times in natural earth pigment. Although material differences offer some form of delineation, it is really by culture and country that the works are reflecting the unique and varied styles, which are emerging. Each artist has a specific country and its associated stories that they can tell. Hence they will tell the same story over and over. The country is the same, however anyone that has a garden knows that it never looks the same on any two days or even moments. This is the case with the artist’s stories. Take Helicopter and Jupiter Well it never matters how many times Chopper paints this water hole, it is always different. His work is ultra realism, although for many viewers who have never seen that country it is abstract. By keeping a consistent subject, like Lily Karadada and her Wandjina's, the artists are able to know that subject intimately and in all its manifestations, and can explore the subtle nuances of their subject. Hence the depth of knowledge and understanding of the land is inspirational and necessary for white Australia to see and learn about in order to truly belong to the country that is Australia. Short St Gallery has a strong association and fundamentally supports the art centres in the region. Art centres ultimately protect the artists and are run by the community itself helping to retain works in the community for future generations. Art centres stabilise pricing and provide vital services such as copyright protection as well as providing all materials needed by the artist, right down to studio space. In communities where there are established art centres younger people are taking an interest in their culture and the processes of making images. The successful artists are a source of great pride within the community. General health improves in communities with art centres and there are many other indirect benefits that are difficult to measure. Short St. represents some artists directly, where there is no art centre. By living in the Kimberley we have an extraodinary understanding and relationship with our artists and their work, and believe fundamentally in representing our artists fairly and with respect. Australia has such a strong and amazing art tradition which everyone living in this country should be proud and have a basic understanding of its history and diversity. We also hope that one day, the government and every Australian no matter what background can learn from the Aboriginal traditions of respect for elders, family, land and amazing compassion, humility and sense of humour which pervades most of the people and traditions in the Kimberley.
© Copyright 2002 Kimberly Language & Resource Centre. Used with permission. |
