This work depicts the hills of Birnoo Country (Alice Downs Station) and the country surrounding Birrno Rockhole, by moonlight. In the evening birds, kangaroos and emus come to the rockhole to drink. Two jumuluny (boab trees) stand beside the rockhole, which lies south of the Alice Downs homestead. Birrno is where Gordon was born and where he worked for many years as a stockman on the station.
Name: GORDON BARNEY
Language: Gija, Kimberley Kriol
Community: Warmun
Biography:
Gordon Barney was born and grew up on Alice Downs Station. His father taught him stockwork and he became known as a skilled horsebreaker and buckjumper (rodeo rider).
When Gordon worked as a stockman, he would often carry with him a saddle bag for his ochre collection. At the end of his mustering stint, he would have a bagful of ochres that he sourced from riding through his country. Whilst working on Mabel Downs Station, Gordon met Shirley Purdie who later became his wife. Shirley is a well known senior Warmun artist who encouraged Gordon to paint his country.
He started painting in 1998 when Warmun Art Centre commenced operation, often painting various hill lines located in his traditional country. Barney's sense of concentration and focus on country are often reflected in these landscapes. Gordon is well known in Warmun Community as a strong law and culture man and was as an important ceremonial dancer.
Holy Spirit in the Land This image is of the Holy Spirit being in the land with the Milky Way in the skies.
PURNULULU- by Josie Drill & Dwayne jessell This painting is a collaboration artworks made by a married couple Dwayne jessell and Josie Drill. Both members of families that are T.O (custodians) of Purnululu. Dwayne paints Read more…
PURNULULU- by Josie Drill & Dwayne jessell This painting is a collaboration artworks made by a married couple Dwayne jessell and Josie Drill. Both members of families that are T.O (custodians) of Purnululu. Dwayne paints Read more…