Hand-Painted Noongar Art

Artist: Christine Winmar

Region: Perth, WA

Size: 90 x 60 cm

Framed

Christine Winmar is a Noongar woman, born in Midland, Western Australia in 1965. Her skin name is ‘Allawah’, an Aboriginal word meaning "Stay here".  Christine was taught to paint by her father, a renowned artist and didgeridoo craftsman. He taught her many aspects and techniques of Noongar art which are reflected in her work today. Christine then began experimenting with different styles and techniques with the support of her family and friends. 

 Christine has also spent a few years in the Kimberley, where she further developed her skills by adopting the techniques utilized by Aboriginals in the Northern Territory.

 By 1997 Christine was selling her works through an Aboriginal art gallery in Perth.  Her first joint exhibition followed shortly, when in 2005 she and fellow artists Mingi May Barnes, Geoff Lindsey, and Tjinanginy exhibited in Perth and Cottesloe. 

 In 2009 Christine exhibited her work with various other artists in Perth and San Francisco, in the “Colours of Australia” exhibition.

 Christine uses media such as canvas, pottery, wood, and glass. Bright and colorful patterns made using dots are a common aspect of her work.

The meanings behind her artwork

Goanna (Protector)

 The Goanna is a large lizard which lives in dry climates in Australia. It acquired its name because of its resemblance to the iguana. The Aboriginal word for goanna is Wardapi in the Warlpiri language and Perente in the Pintupi language.

 The Aboriginal Goanna Painting refers to both works on bark that represent the goanna and artworks by Central Deserts Aboriginal Artists that represent the Goanna Dreaming. In the Aboriginal Art Regions of Central Australia, the Goanna is a totemic spirit and Australian Aboriginal artists paint their Goanna Dreaming to honor their ancestral spirit.