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 second photo shows the artwork of artist David Miller, senior Pipalyatjara man, from South Australia.
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.
He became a member of the original Tujunga Playa Art centre and he is now the chair of Ninuku Arts.
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.
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.
Great story! Waitangi Day here today…..not that you would know it apart from the news, which was dominated by NZ’s first Winter Olympic medal.
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.
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.
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.
He is a very talented artist, and it is wonderful that your community is pulling together. The boat always goes much further when all the rowers are in sync. Too much rain? You must have gotten a lot of rain. 🙂
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!
I LOVE David Miller’s bold, vivid art. Congrats to him. A very positive sign and wonderful to read about it.
I thought you would love his colourful work, and passing on stories from his ancestors.
Such an interest post, Gerrie. David’s artwork is amazing. and so beautiful. The lizard is very impressive.
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!
What an interesting post. That is a beautiful, unusual painting. Here’s you your rain easing off, it does get old fast.xxx
Absolutely right about the rain…and in Australia it is either floods or droughts, nothing in between!
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.
Good to hear they lit up Table Mountain for Desmond Tutu..