This place was my playground home away from home. It was also my shop; food everywhere. I grew up here watching my old people work packing their lunch for the day jumping on horses, motorbikes and going mustering. Back then my grandfather used to manage the station. I finished school and this place was where I worked. It is the first time I had $1700 in old hundred dollar notes that had colour like newspaper, that’s what all the locals used to call it back then.
Name: Rodney Adams
Language: Yindjibarndi
Biography:
Rodney Adams began his painting journey in 2021 and has since established himself as a prolific and much-loved artist at Yinjaa-Barni Art Centre. Rodney skillfully portrays the rich history and colours of his country, the Pilbara region of Western Australia, through his evocative paintings. As a Yindjibarndi man, Adams possesses a deep connection to his land, which serves as the wellspring of inspiration for his captivating artworks.
Born and raised in the heart of the Pilbara, from an early age, Rodney was immersed in the stories of his land and the knowledge of country passed down through generations. This deep-rooted connection laid the foundation for his artistic journey.
Rodney paints his country from his memory and the images etched in his mind. He carefully maps the landscape out as he remembers it from his childhood. Many of the places he depicts have since been disturbed by mining or have been destroyed by cyclones and the harsh Pilbara weather. His ability to capture the essence of these places on canvas is to be admired. A secret blend of Pilbara earth behind all his works gives them an authentic texture and real colour.
Rodney has won numerous art awards and has now held two solo shows and one Duo show with partner Renee Wally at Chalk Horse Gallery in Sydney.
Cossack The landscape in the early morning that surrounds Cossack. A good spot that all the locals go for a family day out and to catch a good feed.
Pilbara Wildflowers and Seeds (Justina) These are the Pilbara wildflower’s that grow on the ground. Their seeds spread in the Country ready for the next year.
Wet Season This painting is inspired by the wet season in the Pilbara which is basically after cyclone season for me when we have plenty of rain filling the rivers and bringing life back to Read more…