‘Nina’
In May 2021, I had the absolute pleasure of seeing the band Electric Fields in concert, which I knew very little about at the time.
Electric Fields is a potent duo bringing together the brilliance and creativity of music producer and composer Michael Ross, with the mesmerising sensitivity of Zaachariaha Fielding - whose rare and beautiful voice has been described as 'taking soul to the stratosphere'. They are also iconic within the LGBTQI+ community, with Zaachariaha leading the way for the fellow Aboriginals within this community, through his creativity and raising of awareness.
From the very first note, I was in awe of the supremely talented Zaachariaha, with his flawless infusion of English and traditional language of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara people (from Central Australia), his voice and vocal range, and his stage presence with captivating hand and body movements.
There was one song that I distinctly remember which was called Nina. Not only does this song refer to another idol of mine in Nina Simone, but the lyrics really moved me too, as they were transcribed from an interview of hers back from the 1970’s and put into song.
Now two years on, I am still thinking about that concert, that song and Zaachariaha, and just knew I needed to paint him and the song.
“Everybody’s half dead
Everybody avoids everybody
All over the place, in most situations, most all of the time
I know, I know, I’m one of these (one of these)
Everybody is
And so, all I’m tryna do all the time, is just open people up
Open people up
Open people up
That is all, that is it…
How Nina Simone it is, Simone it is
Now we’re Nina Simoning it, Simoning it
What is free to me…
NO FEAR!...’
16" x 20" / 41cm x 51cm
This highly textural work is painted on a gallery wrapped canvas and has been sealed with varnish, is ready to hang and comes with a signed Certificate of Authenticity.