Hand-Painted Noongar Art

Artist: Christine Winmar

Region: Perth, WA

Size: 80 x 66 cm

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Christine Winmar is a Noongar woman, born in Midland, Western Australia, in the year 1965. Her skin name is ‘Allawah’, an Aboriginal term meaning "Stay here". Ms. Winmar was instructed in the art of painting by her father, a distinguished artist and craftsman of the didgeridoo. He imparted numerous techniques and facets of Noongar art to her, a tradition vividly reflected in her current body of work. Subsequently, Christine commenced exploring various styles and techniques, aided by the encouragement 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 of Aboriginals in the Northern Territory.

By 1997, Christine had been selling her works through an Aboriginal art gallery in Perth.  Her first joint exhibition followed shortly after, in 2005, when 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 works with media such as canvas, pottery, wood, and glass. She often uses dots to create bright and colourful patterns.

The meaning behind her artwork

The name “Yorgum” is a Noongar name for a large red flowering gum tree that has healing properties. Aboriginal people have used the gum for many years in the treatment of numerous ailments, including diseases of the eyes. The name is an expression of the life-sustaining image of the living tree.