Christine Winmar
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
Eucalyptus megacarpa, commonly referred to by its Noongar designation as bullich, is a species characterized by its robust mallee or small to medium-sized tree form, exhibiting a scattered distribution within the forests of southwestern Western Australia. This species features smooth bark throughout its structure, lance-shaped to curved adult leaves, flower buds arranged in groups of three, white flowers, and fruit that is cup-shaped, bell-shaped, or hemispherical in nature.
Furthermore, this tree holds cultural significance for the Noongar people. The leaves are utilized in traditional smoking ceremonies, while the gum is combined with water for the treatment of gastrointestinal issues.
