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My Grandfather Rammey Ramsay country – WARLAWOON

This painting was inspired by Monica Cann’s grandfather- Mr. Rammey Ramsey- senior Gija man of Jungoora skin, whose ancestral Country lies to the west of Bedford Downs near Elgee Cliffs.

Ramsey said: “This is my place called Warlawoon. They named me Warlawoon for my Country here. There is a Dreamtime waterhole there, a place where many fish live.

This is my mother and father’s Country. I own that Country from my mother and father. Lots of people used to live here with my parents.”

Monica’s grandfather Mr. Rammey Ramsay intimate knowledge of waterholes, dreaming, camping and ceremonial sites across Warlawoon Country inform the composition of his paintings. Although minimalist is appearance his works are laden with narrative.  

Ramsey now lives in Bow River. His work is forever infused with the memory of Warlawoon Country together with a longing for Country his work teases out the complexities of Gija world-views and the impact of pastoral occupation on his land.

Categories: WARMUN ART

Name: Monica Cann


Language: English, Gija, Kriol


Community: Warmun


Biography:

Monica Cann was born in 2000 to Ngargooroon man Charlie Cann and Juwurlinji artist Tracey Ramsay. Monica is the granddaughter of Warmun artist Rammey Ramsey.

Monica was born in Kununrra, grew up in Bow River and now lives in Warmun Community. She is a worker at the Warmun Art Centre.

Monica first started painting in 2021 and likes to paint the stories that she has learned from her mother Tracey. These are stories from Bow River Country and they depict the Country, the history and the Ngarranggarni from that place.

Monica has three brothers and one sister and her brothers Frances and Cedric also work at the Art Centre with her.

On the weekend she likes to go out fishing for goondari in Bow River.


© the artist / art centre