women’s ceremony
Last post I mentioned that on the selvage of the Dreamtime fabric were the words, “Women’s ceremony”. And the name, Netta Williams. A Google search lead me to this site, where an Aboriginal artist called Netta Williams Napanangka has this piece of work. I don’t know if it is the same person, but the whole site is well worth a look for the wonderful art, much of which is by female artists. Click on the Paintings link for some fascinating images.
I am almost ignorant of the symbolism used in Aboriginal art, although I know many pieces are full of meaning, both to the artist and those that understand . I also know that many meanings are deliberately left hidden or masked to make them inaccessible to general viewers. If you are curious, there is a wealth of information here.
In this piece of cloth, I am enjoying the movement suggested by the lines and the colours, and wonder at the story being told. Women’s ceremony. It touches deep feelings.
Love your new look! These cloths are stunning. Such eye candy! Thank you for posting these photos and the added information!
I love the whole idea of hiding both meaning and context within a work that makes such obviously bold visual statement for all its secrecy. Have been trying to decide how to express my feelings on this visually in a way that speaks TO the methodology rather than speaking ABOUT it. Think I am still working from to much of verbal-visual split but still so appreciative of these sorts of examples.
yummy stuff, this. hidden in plain view is my all-time favorite theme. and i love your new look. very nice.
To have all this to contemplate and study, the history, culture, geography and the women themselves… how “filling” to work with this cloth