Yondee Shane Hansen
Yondee Shane Hansen is a distinguished Noongar artist, born in 1964 in Dumbleyung, located 270 kilometres south of Perth in the southwestern region of Western Australia. He acquired foundational knowledge from his father, who taught him about hunting and the creation of sand drawings. Additionally, visits to his aunties along the Swan River provided him with opportunities to collect paper bark, which supported their artistic endeavours. These early experiences formed the basis of his artistic education, as older relatives, celebrated for their paper bark paintings, served as his initial instructors.
In reference to his contemporary artistic practice, Yondee Shane Hansen stated, "I create sand paintings by collecting sand from the creeks. The sand, after being meticulously washed to remove salt, exhibits a smoother texture. Following multiple washes and sieving, when mixed with paint, it becomes suitable for artistic application. The combination of black and white sand in my paintings conveys a simple yet powerful message."
As a seasoned artist, Yondee Shane Hansen has refined techniques to utilize sand and ochres to depict the narratives and legends of his people. In addition to these traditional representations, he produces detailed figurative works that address themes such as mission life, hunting, and animals. Despite their abstract nature, his works retain a narrative essence. Yondee has drawn upon the knowledge of ground paintings imparted by his grandfather during his childhood and aspires to preserve and elevate these art forms. He holds that translating these concepts into sand paintings not only honors their origins but also extends their reach to new audiences. His bush name, Yondee, translates to Black Goanna.
Furthermore, Yondee Shane Hansen has collaborated with the Campfire group of Aboriginal artists in Brisbane and has exhibited his artwork in various galleries across Western Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, and internationally in countries such as the United States, Czech Republic, and Ireland.
Recent works by Whadjuk Ballardong artist Yondee Shane Hansen are focused on traditional songlines and walking paths associated with the Derbarl Yerrigan, commonly known as the Swan River, situated on the coastal plains surrounding Perth. His paintings depict the interconnected locations of the Swan River and the substantial coastal lakes, extending from Joondalup and urban Perth to the Beeliar Wetlands.
The rivers within the Perth region are intricately woven into the Dreaming narratives of the local Noongar Aboriginal community. Mr. Hansen articulates that the river serves as a vital connection between the freshwater inhabitants of the inland and the saltwater communities along the coast. The Dingo Dreaming track integrates these groups and adheres to the river's natural contours. The Wargyl, a water spirit significant to this Country, is referenced in Mr. Hansen's assertion of "swimming with the Wargyl" along the river’s course. Additionally, community Elders have indicated that this area is associated with the freshwater turtle, which holds traditional medicinal importance.
It should be noted that the term Derbarl Yerrigan does not directly translate as Swan River; the river is referred to as Narlak (Swan) Beeliar (River). Instead, Derbarl Yerrigan is often interpreted to signify freshwater or brackish water Turtle Dreaming along the river. Mr. Hansen's artwork further includes representations of Gnamma holes, where Aboriginal peoples historically harvested water runoff from rock surfaces, collecting it in small wells that were subsequently covered and safeguarded.
