Christine Winmar
In Noongar culture, the karda — the goanna — is a powerful ancestral being, respected for its resilience, deep awareness of Country, and ability to survive even the harshest conditions. Its movements, tracks, and behaviours hold knowledge passed down through generations, guiding Noongar people in understanding the land, its rhythms, and its resources.
For Christine Winmar, the Goanna Dreaming holds a strong connection to her heritage and the teachings she received from her Elders. Born in Midland in 1965, Christine — whose skin name Allawah means “Stay here” — learned to paint under the guidance of her father, a respected Noongar artist and didgeridoo craftsman. His teachings shaped her artistic foundation, instilling in her a deep respect for culture, technique, and the stories that flow through Noongar Country.
Christine’s life journey, from her early years in the Wheatbelt to her time living in the Kimberley and Northern Territory, expanded her artistic language. She blends traditional Noongar motifs with techniques learned from other Aboriginal communities, creating vibrant, detailed works rich in symbolism and movement.
In Goanna Dreaming, Christine honours the karda as a spiritual guardian and teacher. The goanna is seen as a totem of strength and adaptability — a being that navigates both the surface of the land and the hidden world beneath it. Its tracks are read like a map, offering insight into hunting, water sources, and the changing seasons. Across many Aboriginal nations, the goanna is also revered as an ancestor or creator spirit, embodying the cycle of life and the ongoing relationship between people and Country.
Christine’s artwork captures this spirit with flowing lines, textured dots, and earthy tones that mirror the patterns of the land. Her depiction of the karda celebrates its role as a protector, a provider, and a keeper of ancient knowledge.
Through Goanna Dreaming, Christine brings forward a story of strength, cultural continuity, and the powerful presence of the ancestral beings who walk alongside Noongar people.
