Flat Reef
Kuruwarriyingathi (Paula Paul) BIJARRB: artist
WAIAA 2011 extended label:
Although Kuruwarriyingathi Bijarrb Paula Paul was born on the south-side of Bentinck Island, however a series of devestating weather events caused the local population to be relocated to Mornington Island.
Paul is one of the members of the group known as the Bentinck Island Painters, which also includes the celebrated Mirdidingkingathi Jurwunda Sally Gabori. Paul’s rich and often highly textured canvases embody and depict many parts of island life, from the reef that surrounds her island home, the many fish that inhabit it, to the cooking of cockles in the coals of a fire. The women line the cockles up in symmetrical rows, a tradition commanded by an awareness of aesthetic.
Paul’s vibrant depictions of her Country are a celebration of the Kaiadilt and their ongoing connection to their Bentinck Island home. Although living now on Mornington Island, Paul revisits her homeland each and every time she paints one of her vibrant and joyous paintings.
Although Kuruwarriyingathi Bijarrb Paula Paul was born on the south-side of Bentinck Island, however a series of devestating weather events caused the local population to be relocated to Mornington Island.
Paul is one of the members of the group known as the Bentinck Island Painters, which also includes the celebrated Mirdidingkingathi Jurwunda Sally Gabori. Paul’s rich and often highly textured canvases embody and depict many parts of island life, from the reef that surrounds her island home, the many fish that inhabit it, to the cooking of cockles in the coals of a fire. The women line the cockles up in symmetrical rows, a tradition commanded by an awareness of aesthetic.
Paul’s vibrant depictions of her Country are a celebration of the Kaiadilt and their ongoing connection to their Bentinck Island home. Although living now on Mornington Island, Paul revisits her homeland each and every time she paints one of her vibrant and joyous paintings.
Title
Flat Reef
Artist/Maker and role
Kuruwarriyingathi (Paula Paul) BIJARRB: artist
Date
2009
Medium
synthetic polymer paint on linen
Measurements
120.2 x 90.5cm
Credit line
Purchased through The Art Gallery of Western Australia Foundation: TomorrowFund, 2010
© Kuruwarriyingathi (Paula Paul) Bijarrb, 2009
The State Art Collection, The Art Gallery of Western Australia
Accession number
2010/0053