Guardians of the Humpback Highway

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A$4,700

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Artwork Details

Medium Mixed Media, Canvas, Ready to hang
Dimensions 91cm (W) x 61cm (H) x 4cm (D)
Review Stars 21,251 Customer Reviews

Indigenous Art Code

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Tuesday, Jun 16 - Thursday, Jun 18

Artwork Description

This painting tells the story of a mother humpback whale guiding her calf along the ancient ocean pathways known as the Humpback Highway. Beneath the moonlit sea, they travel together through waters filled with life turtles, jellyfish, fish, and the spirit of the ocean surrounding them in protection.

The mother whale carries knowledge passed down through generations, teaching the calf the songlines of the sea, where to travel, when to rest, and how to survive the long migration. The bright dotted pathways represent the invisible spiritual tracks that connect all living things in the ocean.
The flowing lines and circles symbolise movement, water currents, and the rhythm of whale song echoing through Country beneath the sea. The soft blues and bright colours reflect peace, connection, and the beauty of marine life living in harmony.
This artwork is a celebration of motherhood, guidance, and the unbreakable bond between parent and child — a reminder that the old stories continue to travel through every new generation.

Artist Bio

Artist Statement
I was born in Cunnamulla, a small town in southwestern Queensland, on the edge of Barunggam Country. My yumba—my traditional home—is the land of the Barunggam people, who, for thousands of years, have walked gently on this Country as part of the Wakka Wakka language group. Our connection to the Darling Downs runs deep, shared with neighbouring clans like the Keinjan, Giabal, Jarowair, Bigambal, Kambuwal, and Jagara—each with their own sacred stories, songs, and traditions.

As an Aboriginal artist, my work is more than a visual experience—it is a spiritual practice, a cultural responsibility, and a personal journey. My inspiration comes from the land, from our Dreaming, and from the teachings of my wise grandad. Through him, I learned that painting is not about aesthetics—it’s about storytelling. Every line, every dot, every colour carries emotion, memory, and meaning.

I do not paint to follow trends or fit into boxes. I paint from feeling and truth. My art is a language—spoken through ochre tones, deep blues, and patterns shaped by the rhythm of Country. It is how I honour my ancestors, how I keep our stories alive, and how I share our culture with the world.

Each piece I create is a declaration:
This is who I am. This is where I come from. This is my story.

Through my work, I hope to offer a glimpse into the soul of Barunggam Country, to connect others with the strength, beauty, and resilience of Aboriginal culture. My art is a tribute to the generations who walked before me—and a message to the generations still to come.

Commissions

Cynthia's studio is in LABRADOR GOLD COAST