David Miller, Artist from South Australia.

In my previous post I wrote about Australia Day 2022. I was lucky enough to have two lovely photos of the Opera House on that day, thanks to photographer Tim Read.

The Opera House at dawn. Photo: Tim Read: All Rights Reserved

The second photo shows the artwork of artist David Miller, senior Pipalyatjara man, from South Australia.

Sydney Opera House: artwork by David Miller. Photo Tim Reid.

At sunset on Australia day, another piece of David’s artwork was displayed. However, I have been unable to purchase/find a photo of this display, and perhaps it is no longer available.

Suffice to say, it was an equally striking piece of artwork, and although I cannot show you the painting, I can tell you the story behind the painting

it was a Dreaming story of the songline of the Wati Ngintaka (the giant perentie lizard man) as he searches for a special grindstone, creating water holes and food sources on his travels.

And here is a photo of the Perentie lizard, the largest lizard (goanna)in Australia.

David Miller lives in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, in the North Western Desert of South Australia.

As a young man he lived and worked on Curtin Springs Station in the Northern Territory.

Ninuka Arts

He became a member of the original Tujunga Playa Art centre and he is now the chair of Ninuku Arts.

Tjingu Playa Arts Centre

David has been painting since 2005, and has a portfolio of collaborative and personal work which is displayed nationally and internationally. (he recently had an exhibition at the Royal Museum of Belgium.)

Many of his paintings depict important tracks of his region, overlaid with the physical and spiritual geographies associated with them.

this photo is the centre piece of the painting projected onto the first photo.

In David Miller’s own words

”The painting tells the story of my father’s country. I’m very pleased my father’s Dreaming was displayed on the Opera House.

I’m very proud and honoured.”

The Sydney Harbour is a very busy, and exciting place on Australia Day. After the early morning ceremonies, the Australian and Aboriginal Flags were then raised to the top of the Harbour Bridge and will remain there permanently.

This seems a wonderfully positive sign of respect and celebration, during a time of much unrest in the world. ..and a big congratulations to David Miller!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog, and best wishes during this extremely windy, and rainy February. (for Canberra)

I never thought I’d ever say it….. I’ve had enough of rain!

Geraldine Mackey: All Rights Reserved.

14 Replies to “David Miller, Artist from South Australia.”

    1. I didn’t know it was Waitangi Day in NZ even though my cousin lives there! However, I totally understand, a NZ Winter Olympic medal is very exciting.

  1. I have a New Zealand calendar sent by my god daughter so knew it was Waitangi Day. I love the vivid, colourful storytelling of Australian Aboriginal art so thoroughly enjoyed this post. Thank you for the images and all the information.

    1. I agree with you Susan, I love looking at the vivid storytelling of Australian Aboriginal art. I enjoyed looking at some of the galleries connected to David Miller. I’m glad you enjoyed the post.

    1. I should never say we’ve had too much rain, I’m sure it is just an unusual summer. As far as the country being like a boat, sometimes not all rowers are pulling together!

    1. Thanks Sylvia, I thought of you immediately when I saw the lizard! It is not a very good photo, as the lizard (goanna) is enormous!

  2. Projecting artwork (onto those convenient white sails) is much more fun than our … lighting up Table Mountain in appropriate colours – bishop’s purple for Desmond Tutu.

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