Hand-Painted Noongar Art

Artist: Christine Winmar

Region: Perth, WA

Size: 75 x 60 cm

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Christine Winmar is a Noongar woman, born in Midland, Western Australia, in 1965. Her skin name is ‘Allawah’, which is an Aboriginal term meaning "Stay here. " Christine received instruction in painting from her father, a distinguished artist and didgeridoo craftsman, who imparted many aspects and techniques of Noongar art that are evident in her current work. Subsequently, she began to experiment with various styles and techniques, bolstered by the support of her family and friends. Additionally, Christine spent several years in the Kimberley region, where she further honed her skills by integrating techniques utilised by Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory.

 By 1997, Christine was selling her artworks through an Aboriginal art gallery in Perth. Her inaugural joint exhibition occurred shortly thereafter, in 2005, when she, alongside fellow artists Mingi May Barnes, Geoff Lindsey, and Tjinanginy, showcased their works in Perth and Cottesloe. 

 In 2009, Christine presented her work along with several other artists in the “Colours of Australia” exhibition held in both Perth and San Francisco.

 Christine engages with diverse media, including canvas, pottery, wood, and glass. She frequently employs dot techniques to create vibrant and colourful patterns.

The meanings behind her artwork

The Noongar word for goanna is karda. This term can also be spelled as carda or kaada, and it refers to the large monitor lizard known as the Gould's Monitor in English, also called Bungarra or sand goanna in other contexts.

In Aboriginal culture, the goanna holds significant spiritual meaning as a totem, ancestral guardian, and symbol of resilience, adaptability, and survival skills. Goannas feature prominently in Dreamtime stories and ceremonies, representing strong cultural connections to Country, and their movements and tracks can provide guidance on hunting and understanding the landscape. Some Aboriginal nations, like the Bundjalung and Wiradjuri, consider the goanna a creator spirit or direct ancestor, embodying a connection to the land and the cycle of life.