Hand-Painted Noongar Art

Artist: Christine Winmar

Region: Perth, WA

Size: 75 x 75 cm

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Christine Winmar is a Noongar woman, born in Midland, Western Australia, in 1965. Her skin name is ‘Allawah’, which is an Aboriginal term meaning "Stay here. " Christine received instruction in painting from her father, a distinguished artist and didgeridoo craftsman, who imparted many aspects and techniques of Noongar art that are evident in her current work. Subsequently, she began to experiment with various styles and techniques, bolstered by the support of her family and friends. Additionally, Christine spent several years in the Kimberley region, where she further honed her skills by integrating techniques utilised by Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory.

 By 1997, Christine was selling her artworks through an Aboriginal art gallery in Perth. Her inaugural joint exhibition occurred shortly thereafter, in 2005, when she, alongside fellow artists Mingi May Barnes, Geoff Lindsey, and Tjinanginy, showcased their works in Perth and Cottesloe. 

 In 2009, Christine presented her work along with several other artists in the “Colours of Australia” exhibition held in both Perth and San Francisco.

 Christine engages with diverse media, including canvas, pottery, wood, and glass. She frequently employs dot techniques to create vibrant and colourful patterns.

The meanings behind her artwork

In Noongar culture, turtles, known as yakan (long-necked turtle) or booyi (freshwater turtle), hold significant cultural and spiritual importance. They are a traditional food source, and their presence is linked to the health of waterways and the overall well-being of the land. Turtles are also part of Noongar Dreaming stories, connecting them to the spiritual realm and ancestral beings. 

The presence and health of turtles are indicators of the health of Noongar waterways, like the Swan River (Derbal Yerrigan). The Swan River is also known as "Buneenboro" and is a site of Yakan (turtle) dreaming.