Mavis Ngallametta
- 2019 My Country – Kendall River 2017- ochre and charcoal on linen
'It is important for the young ones to learn traditional ways. While they are young they can learn. It is important to keep our culture strong.' Mavis Ngalllametta
Born in the coastal country of the Kugu people around Kendall River, south of Aurukun on the Cape York Peninearly 2018, was a senior elder of the Putch Clan and a Cultural leader of the Wik and Kugu people of Aurukun.
As a young girl, Mavis was taught by her elders the traditional methods of weaving and basketry using cabbage palm and pandanus. She grew up in the missionary dormitories but was able to maintain close links with her family and is known in the community as a strong culture woman.
She has developed her own original artistic style, depicting imagery based on community life and country. In 2011, in response to a suggestion from Sydney gallerist Martin Browne that she try working on a larger scale, Ngallametta produced the first of the artworks for which she has become renowned. Each is typified by a seamless amalgam of macro and micro imagery combined to show aspects of her country.
© Mavis Ngallametta