Sitting In A Gumtree, 2023, South Hedland, Western Australia, synthetic polymer paint on canvas, 45.5 x 45.5 cm; Courtesy the Artist and Spinifex Hill Studio, © the artist.
Seasons and Time
Katie Nalgood; © Katie Nalgood/Spinifex Hill Studio.
Nyangulya Katie Nalgood
No clock, only birds. Nyangulya Katie Nalgood has a deep connection to birds. Rather than relying on clocks, her days align with nature.
"Birds are the first things we see, you know, when we wake up. Birds are like roosters to us, they wake us up in the morning. And when the sun goes down they go to sleep and we go to sleep.” - Katie Nalgood, Spinifex Hills Studio
How do you start and end the day? Draw the first things you see and hear when you wake and the last thing before bed.
Nalgood’s favourite bird is theJini Pirrin (Willywag Tail). They are messengers for her side of the family and appear at significant times. Do you have a favourite bird, or animal? Nalgood often names the birds she paints, giving them a personal identity. Draw a picture of your favourite wild animal and give it a name.
Select one of Nalgood’s paintings taking note of the title. Write a short story featuring the birds in the painting. Who are these birds, what are they doing there, and where are they going next?
Tears of the Djulpan, 2022, Yirrkala, northeast Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, earth pigments on Stringybark (Eucalyptus tetrodonta), 186.0 x 86.0 cm; Private collection, © the artist / Buku-Larrnggay Mulka.
Djakaŋu Yunupiŋu
Djakangu Yunupingu paints primarily on bark, which is collected seasonally, left to dry and flattened before being prepared for painting. What are some things that you look forward to in each season? For example, picking fruit, going skiing, lighting a campfire, playing sport. Draw the things you are most looking forward to in your favourite season.
Coiled Pandanus Basket, 2023, Gunbalanya (Oenpelli), western Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, pandanus, natural dyes, 18.0 x 30.0 cm; Courtesy the Artist and Injalak Arts, © the artist / Injalak Arts & Crafts Aboriginal Corporation.
Injalak Arts
The dyes used to create the works in Colour country are made from plants found in the natural environment of West Arnhem Land at certain times of the year. What colours do you see in the landscape where you live? Do you have a favourite colour? How many works of art in this gallery feature your favourite colour. Document these works of art and find out more about them when you return home.
