Hand-Painted Noongar Art

Artist: Christine Winmar

Region: Perth, WA

Size: 120 x 90 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

Sometimes called native companions or Australian cranes, these grey birds are beautiful dancers, famous for their elaborate performances which appear to be for both pleasure and as a part of their mating ritual.  The Aboriginal people have immortalized their graceful steps through dance. In vocal birds, the females also make a trumpeting sound while dancing.  They look very elegant, moving across the plains; the freedom contained within their dance spreads and radiates joy and spontaneity. Get ready for a celebration if Brolga delicately steps into the arena of your life!

 In a well-known Dreaming about Brolga, she was a beautiful girl obsessed with dancing.  A wirrinun (shaman) wanted her for his wife, but she refused, as she refused all men. Dancing was her love, and nothing else distracted her.  He harboured resentment until one day, seeing her dancing alone on the plain, he takes his chance, changes himself into a willy-willy (small whirlwind), and sweeps her into it with the intention of abducting her.  The Great Spirit intervenes, and she is transformed into Brolga as we see her today.  She is still dancing.

Brolga emphasizes the ability you have to pursue creative interests and talents and still be supported. The girl was provided for by her tribe and allowed to practice skills, even though they were unnecessary for physical survival. Also, as a rare token of esteem, she was permitted to dance in the men’s corroborees. Brolga, perhaps the first career woman, strongly emphasizes going for your dream and expressing yourself creatively on a professional level.  All it requires is a belief in the Self and an investment of time – the evidence that self-expression can work is stamped out in Brolga’s dance!

 It is obvious that the Brolga symbolizes creativity, especially in terms of dance and self-expression.  Brolga was a very good dancer; she loved it, and all her energies went into it.  What are you good at in your life?   Brolga dances the elegant dance of creative expression and asks you to join her..