Kurdaitcha Man 2 COMMISSIONED FOR PETER

Acrylic Paint on canvas stretched and ready to hang.

Signed on the back.

Kurdaitcha (known also as Kurdaitcha man) is a ritual ‘executioner’ in the culture of the Australian
Aborigines, in particular the Arrernte people of Central Australia.
They only travel at night. With his feet covered in emu
 feathers, it's impossible for experienced trackers to say from where he
 came & whence he went.
While it is true that they only travel at night with their feet
 covered with emu feathers there is a rational reason for this part of
the legend. Their 
feet are covered in emu feathers so no one can hear them creeping around
the village at all hours of the night doing their thing.
Actually, 
because of what they do, there is no reason to wear anything else but
emu feathers on their feet. If a Kadaitcha Man is sent after someone, the victim is sung to
 death & a bone is pointed at them.

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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.