Kunhanhaa

MIArt studio on Mornington Island (Kunhanhaa in Lardil and Kayardild languages) is a place of shared Culture and creativity. It’s a place where stories are told, and memories are kept alive – joyful, exuberant and often tinged with the sadness of personal and Family histories stretching back and back and back. Country is the location as much as it is the heritage and the abiding subject matter of the artists. These artists tell their stories about their families’ deep-rooted connections to the Old People with authority and reverence.

This deep connection to Culture and Country results in works of outstanding beauty and clarity that speak to viewers in a simple and profound way. Senior artist, Netta Loogatha, says, “It’s good to make artworks, learn from each other. We learned all about our Country and story places from our Old People. Now we are painting and drawing them, so our grandchildren will learn all about them. Our Aunty Sally Gabori showed us the way, to learn from her and follow in her footsteps. We have our own paintings and drawings now of our homelands and sacred places, where we were born, oyster reefs and waterholes or camping spots. I am happy to show other people my Country and culture through my art. It brings a smile to my face when I finish an artwork and see a part of me on it.”