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.