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Published by CompNet Systems on

Raypiny Dhawu (Fresh Water Story)

All Aboriginal people originate from a spiritual source, fixed in a particular place in their land or the sea. These ‘Spiritual Reservoirs’ are often in the form of special waterholes made by Wangarr (Creative Beings), long ago close to the beginning of time. These creator beings moved across the country side, shaping the land and implanting in each tract of country, the spiritual life force for the people who were to own it. These Creative Spirits took many forms. When they gave the land to each group they also gave songs, dances, ceremony, the associated laws and language. The Creation story for Ganalbingu people took place near the middle section of the Glyde River where it becomes the Goyder River. Their land, Ngaliyindi, sits astride the Arafura Swamp in Central Arnhem Land. In this painting, the artist has depicted freshwater totems from the Swamp. These include catfish (ginginy), crocodile (baru), file snake (bapi), Darwin prawns (dakawa), Barramundi (ratjuk), water lilies (yalman) and bubbles in the water.

Categories: Bula'bula Arts

Name: Shannon Ashley

Biography:

Her grandmother was one of the first recognised female painters of the Ramingining community in Central Arnhem Land, around 400 kilometres east of Darwin. Today, the early career talent paints alongside both her mother and her grandmother. 

Shannon also speaks to fond memories of herself as a little girl watching her uncle, the late great artist Djardie Ashley, put pigment down on bark.

“He is my uncle, and he grew me up. Painting and making art reminds me of him. He is always in my heart, forever.”

Shannon’s own art practice certainly reflects these robust artistic roots. Her paintings on canvas are a true feast for the eyes, their intricate details wrought by a confident young hand. Abstracted patterns and crosshatching techniques in a palette of earth and sky are striking to behold, reflecting her Yolngu stories in a dynamic, visually vibrant way.

Shannon is constantly inspired by these deep connections to family, Country and culture. “My family have three different countries; one place we call that area Luthunbarr,” she says.

“It’s a very beautiful Country, it’s Yolngu Country. We have everything there like trees, we go fishing, hunting for seafood like mud crab, long necked turtle and oysters.”

Through her practice, Shannon honours and respects the ancient knowledge and traditions that govern Yolngu culture. Painting stories that her family have given permission to paint and learning about Yolngu culture so if they pass away, Shannon can follow in their footsteps.

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© the artist / art centre