Christine Winmar
About Christine:
Christine Winmar is a Noongar woman, born in Midland, Western Australia, in 1965. Her skin name is ‘Allawah,’ an Aboriginal term meaning "Stay here." Christine was taught to paint by her father, a distinguished artist and didgeridoo craftsman. He imparted numerous aspects and techniques of Noongar art, which are evident in her current work. Subsequently, Christine began to experiment with various styles and techniques with the encouragement of her family and friends.
Additionally, Christine spent several years in the Kimberley, where she further honed her skills by incorporating techniques utilized by Aboriginal artists from the Northern Territory.
By 1997, Christine was selling her artworks through an Aboriginal art gallery in Perth. Her first joint exhibition followed shortly thereafter; in 2005, she and fellow artists Mingi May Barnes, Geoff Lindsey, and Tjinanginy showcased their work in exhibitions held in Perth and Cottesloe.
In 2009, Christine exhibited her art alongside various other artists in Perth and San Francisco as part of the “Colours of Australia” exhibition.
Currently, Christine employs mediums such as canvas, pottery, wood, and glass. Her work frequently features bright and colourful patterns created using dots. Her artworks are represented in galleries throughout Western Australia.
About the painting
Turtles represent a favoured source of sustenance within Indigenous communities throughout Australia. They constitute an integral component of the cultural heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The practice of hunting turtles, coupled with the preparation and communal sharing of their meat, holds profound significance as an expression of the enduring nature of traditions. Additionally, the turtle shell has historically been crafted into items such as combs and fishhooks.
Given the cultural importance of turtles within Australian Indigenous communities, they are often featured as totems and are prominent in Dreamtime narratives as well as Creation myths. The hunting of these creatures is sanctioned when conducted in a sustainable manner and is governed by social laws that reflect the relationships between families and totems. These marine animals exemplify the connection to traditional sea country.
