Artwork Description

Long ago back in the Dreamtime there was a very beautiful girl called Brolga. She was very young and the best dancer in the whole land as her dancing was so graceful and her movements so special. Now Brolga hadn't always been such a good dancer. When she was a very little girl she used to get up very early in the morning and creep out of the gunyah and onto the plains around her camp. Once there she would practice swooshing her arms like the Pelican, parading like the Emu and whirling like the wind. But Brolga didn't just do the old dances. She liked to make up new ones about the trees and the wind, dances about the Spirits and the animals. Soon 's dances became so good that other tribes would come from far away just to watch Brolga dance her beautiful dances.

One day, Brolga went off by herself to dance out onto the dry red plain near her favourite tree, a big old coolibah tree. Brolga began to dance in its shade moving with the shadow of the old tree's branches. As little puffs of dust rose from her feet, an evil Spirit, Waiwera looked down from his home in the Milky Way and saw Brolga. She was the most graceful and beautiful girl he had ever seen. Waiwera decided Brolga must be his so he quickly spun himself into a whirlwind, a willy-willy and flew down onto the plain. As the wind came closer to Brolga it made a sudden great roaring sound and enclosed her. Brolga was swept off her feet and taken away.
When Brolga's tribe discovered she was missing, they went looking for her but the wind had covered her tracks. They found the old coolibah tree and a path where the willy-willy had been and decided to follow it. For several days they followed the path of the willy-willy until they came to a hill overlooking a small plain. There below they saw the evil Spirit, Waiwera and his captive Brolga. The whole tribe rushed down hurling their spears and boomerangs. Realising that he couldn't escape with Brolga decided that no one would have her. Waiwera swirled around her and just as the tribe reached her, she vanished.
Brolga's tribe watched as the willy-willy wound its way slowly up into the sky. On the spot where it had been there now stood a big old coolibah tree but there was no sign of Brolga. As they stood near the tree that Waiwera had left, a beautiful tall grey bird appeared from behind the tree. The bird began to stretch its wings and instead of flying away it began to dance making the same graceful moves that Brolga used to make. The bird danced taking long, hopping steps and floating on its graceful wings. It pranced slowly towards them and with one last graceful bound, flew up into the air and away!
Then they all knew that the evil Spirit, Waiwera had changed Brolga into a bird. A bird the Aboriginals, from that day onwards, have always called the brolga.

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Medium

WINSOR AND NEWTON OILS ON A high density weave 380 Premium cottons duck canvas with satin varnish protection. Frame not included.

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Tags#brolga, #dancing, #australia, #CUNNAMULLA, #aboriginal, #dot painting

As a member of the Indigenous Art Code Bluethumb is proud to have established direct partnerships with some of Australia's most respected First Nation's artists and art centres.

All art by Cynthia Farr Baruŋgam

Dive into the Unique Universe of Aboriginal Art.  In the creation of this piece, vibrant colours were meticulously selected to bring forth a dynamic visual experience. It incorporates layers of Mixed Media with Liquitex Soft Gel to enhance the artwork's overall aesthetic. The application of Liquitex Soft Gel serves multiple purposes: it not only increases surface gloss, colour depth, and transparency but also extends the colour's reach without compromising the acrylic's stability. Moreover, it imparts an oil-like colour to heavy body paint, enriching the texture and finish.

The Dreamtime story of the Rainbow Serpent is a profound narrative that resonates through the heart of Australian Aboriginal mythology.The painting features vibrant colours and layers of acrylics mixed with Liquitex Soft Gel, a medium that enhances the surface gloss, colour depth and transparency of the paint. The Liquitex Soft Gel also extends the colour range without affecting the acrylic stability. The layers of acrylics create a sense of depth and texture in the painting.“MY LAND MY PEOPLE”  is an acrylic painting on canvas that showcases the rich and vibrant heritage of Aboriginal Australian art. The artist, who is of Aboriginal descent, has created a personal and meaningful work that reflects their connection to their land and their people. The painting features a striking pattern of colourful lines and spirals that radiate from the centre, creating a sense of movement and energy. The colours are vivid and harmonious, and include red, yellow, orange, blue, and green. The painting has a layer of Liquitex Soft Gel on top, which adds texture and depth to the artwork. The painting is signed by the artist and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

The painting is inspired by the artist's own life story and the history of their Aboriginal country. The artist explains that the painting depicts the storyline of their mob, or clan, as well as their journey in the arts. The painting is a way for the artist to celebrate their culture and heritage, and to share it with others. The use of colour and movement in the painting is also influenced by the style and symbolism of Aboriginal art, which often features geometric patterns, natural elements, and representations of the Dreamtime. The radiating lines in the centre of the painting could be interpreted as a representation, which is a sacred symbol that represents a person's connection to their ancestral land.
“MY LAND MY PEOPLE  is a stunning and captivating artwork that expresses the artist's identity and creativity. It is a beautiful example of contemporary Aboriginal art that honours the past and embraces the present. The painting would be a valuable addition to any home or collection, as it offers a unique and personal perspective on Aboriginal culture and art.'Embrace Indigenous Creativity - Discover Aboriginal Art
This piece was created with a selection of vibrant colors, meticulously chosen to create a dynamic visual experience. It features layers of mixed media combined with Liquitex Soft Gel, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the artwork.'
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