This works depicts a deep waterhole on Alice Downs Country. This is Gordon’s Country, this is where he was born and worked as a stockman when he was a young man. It is situated around an hour south of Warmun, where Gordon now lives. Gordon used to go mustering all over this Country. He often paints the hills as a feature in his artwork, which are characteristic of his Gija ancestral country.
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…