"Turtle Dreaming" by Christine Winmar

"Turtle Dreaming" by Christine WinmarAcrylic painting Size 75cm X 60cm Framed About Christine: 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 reflect in her work today. Christine then began experimenting with different styles and

About Christine:

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 reflect 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. 

Today, Christine uses media such as canvas, pottery, wood, and glass. Bright and colorful patterns made using dots are a common aspect of her work. Her works are represented in art galleries throughout Western Australia. 

About the painting

Turtles are a favored food source in Indigenous communities around Australia. They are also an essential element of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Hunting turtles and the preparation as well as sharing of their meat has a great significance and is an expression of the continuance of traditions. The turtle shell has also been historically fashioned into combs and fishhooks.

Due to the significance of turtles in Australian Indigenous communities, they appear as totems and in Dreamtime stories as well as Creation myths. The hunting of these animals is allowed when done sustainably and is managed and controlled by social laws that reflect links between families and totems. These marine creatures demonstrate the connection with traditional sea country.