EXHIBITION
Bilbiljim Country
BEN WARD
10 July – 1 August
Ben Ward's artworks depict his cultural knowledge and memories of the Country he explored as a young man mustering cattle at Argyle Downs Station. Through a myriad of sharp angles and shapes, Ben portrays the river systems, waterfalls, rocky outcrops and ranges of his Country from memory.
Untitled 4
DETAILS
- Natural ochre on paper (framed)
- Dimensions: 87 x 68 cm
- Cat No. 0042-26
ARTIST
Ben Ward – Galmirr’s painting practice focuses on his unique perspective of seeing and being with Country. His images depict his cultural knowledge and memories of the Country he explored as a young man mustering cattle. He employs triangular designs of juxtaposed coloured ochre depicting the waterways, mountain ranges and the sacred sites of his Country while also commenting on cultural and environmental concerns that are close to his heart.
ART CENTRE
Waringarri is the first wholly indigenous owned art centre established in Western Australia and one of the oldest continuously operating art centres in Australia supporting economic independence for artists and their community. The centre operates artists’ studios and galleries and supports more than 100 artists as painters, printmakers, wood carvers, boab engravers, sculptors and textile artists. Cultural tours and performances compliment the visitor experience with a rich insight into Miriwoong culture. All proceeds from art sales, art commissions and cultural tourism is returned to the community to support an ongoing program of arts and cultural projects.
Untitled 3
DETAILS
- Natural ochre and pigment on canvas
- Dimensions: 80 x 60cm
- Cat No. 0080-26
ARTIST
Ben Ward – Galmirr’s painting practice focuses on his unique perspective of seeing and being with Country. His images depict his cultural knowledge and memories of the Country he explored as a young man mustering cattle. He employs triangular designs of juxtaposed coloured ochre depicting the waterways, mountain ranges and the sacred sites of his Country while also commenting on cultural and environmental concerns that are close to his heart.
ART CENTRE
Waringarri is the first wholly indigenous owned art centre established in Western Australia and one of the oldest continuously operating art centres in Australia supporting economic independence for artists and their community. The centre operates artists’ studios and galleries and supports more than 100 artists as painters, printmakers, wood carvers, boab engravers, sculptors and textile artists. Cultural tours and performances compliment the visitor experience with a rich insight into Miriwoong culture. All proceeds from art sales, art commissions and cultural tourism is returned to the community to support an ongoing program of arts and cultural projects.
Weaber Brothers
"This painting is about a massacre that occurred in Ningbing community in northern WA during the early 1900s. The brothers that ran the cattle station, Jimmy and Billy Weaber killed a large number of the local Indigenous population including women and children. These stories have been passed down from the survivors to generations of Miriwoong people and it's deeply offensive that we have a road named after the Weaber brothers here in Kununurra. The name should be changed."
DETAILS
- Natural ochre and pigment on canvas
- Dimensions: 80 x 100cm
- Cat No. 6282-22
ARTIST
Ben Ward – Galmirr’s painting practice focuses on his unique perspective of seeing and being with Country. His images depict his cultural knowledge and memories of the Country he explored as a young man mustering cattle. He employs triangular designs of juxtaposed coloured ochre depicting the waterways, mountain ranges and the sacred sites of his Country while also commenting on cultural and environmental concerns that are close to his heart.ART CENTRE
Waringarri is the first wholly indigenous owned art centre established in Western Australia and one of the oldest continuously operating art centres in Australia supporting economic independence for artists and their community. The centre operates artists’ studios and galleries and supports more than 100 artists as painters, printmakers, wood carvers, boab engravers, sculptors and textile artists. Cultural tours and performances compliment the visitor experience with a rich insight into Miriwoong culture. All proceeds from art sales, art commissions and cultural tourism is returned to the community to support an ongoing program of arts and cultural projects.
Lake Argyle
Ben has depicted the new Lake Argyle. He says "this is the country where I grew up". Much of Ben's Country has now been flooded by Lake Argyle. His paintings remember what lies beneath the surface.
DETAILS
- Natural ochre and pigment on canvas
- Dimensions: 140 x 100cm
- Cat No. 6732-23
ARTIST
Ben Ward – Galmirr’s painting practice focuses on his unique perspective of seeing and being with Country. His images depict his cultural knowledge and memories of the Country he explored as a young man mustering cattle. He employs triangular designs of juxtaposed coloured ochre depicting the waterways, mountain ranges and the sacred sites of his Country while also commenting on cultural and environmental concerns that are close to his heart.ART CENTRE
Waringarri is the first wholly indigenous owned art centre established in Western Australia and one of the oldest continuously operating art centres in Australia supporting economic independence for artists and their community. The centre operates artists’ studios and galleries and supports more than 100 artists as painters, printmakers, wood carvers, boab engravers, sculptors and textile artists. Cultural tours and performances compliment the visitor experience with a rich insight into Miriwoong culture. All proceeds from art sales, art commissions and cultural tourism is returned to the community to support an ongoing program of arts and cultural projects.
"Goorloordoordoog - the peace pigeon created this Country near Behn River in the Dreamtime. The central design represents a freshwater spring that the pigeon hid underground. A long time ago this place may have been a desert. This spring is a Dreaming place and should be protected but it has been destroyed by pastoralists who have allowed cattle to roam all over it. I use the nuclear waste symbol at the centre as a sign to say - keep away!"
Bilbijilm
In this painting, Ben has depicted an important grasshopper dreaming site, Bilbijim. "Elders used branches and leaves to wipe themselves under their arms and then on the rocks at Bilibijim. This would bring the grasshoppers to the area which provides food for all the other animals." The hill is depicted in the centre of the work, the white and grey and blue is the water of Lake Argyle which has now flooded most of Ben's Country.
DETAILS
- Natural ochre and pigment on canvas
- Dimensions: 60 x 60cm
- Cat No. 6763-23
ARTIST
Ben Ward – Galmirr’s painting practice focuses on his unique perspective of seeing and being with Country. His images depict his cultural knowledge and memories of the Country he explored as a young man mustering cattle. He employs triangular designs of juxtaposed coloured ochre depicting the waterways, mountain ranges and the sacred sites of his Country while also commenting on cultural and environmental concerns that are close to his heart.ART CENTRE
Waringarri is the first wholly indigenous owned art centre established in Western Australia and one of the oldest continuously operating art centres in Australia supporting economic independence for artists and their community. The centre operates artists’ studios and galleries and supports more than 100 artists as painters, printmakers, wood carvers, boab engravers, sculptors and textile artists. Cultural tours and performances compliment the visitor experience with a rich insight into Miriwoong culture. All proceeds from art sales, art commissions and cultural tourism is returned to the community to support an ongoing program of arts and cultural projects.
Goorloordoordoog - Pigeon dreaming 2
"Goorloordoordoog - the peace pigeon created this Country near Behn River in the Dreamtime. The central design represents a freshwater spring that the pigeon hid underground. A long time ago this place may have been a desert. This spring is a Dreaming place and should be protected but it has been destroyed by pastoralists who have allowed cattle to roam all over it. I use the nuclear waste symbol at the centre as a sign to say - keep away!"
DETAILS
- Natural ochre and pigment on paper
- Dimensions: 76 x 56cm
- Cat No. 7300-25
ARTIST
Ben Ward – Galmirr’s painting practice focuses on his unique perspective of seeing and being with Country. His images depict his cultural knowledge and memories of the Country he explored as a young man mustering cattle. He employs triangular designs of juxtaposed coloured ochre depicting the waterways, mountain ranges and the sacred sites of his Country while also commenting on cultural and environmental concerns that are close to his heart.ART CENTRE
Waringarri is the first wholly indigenous owned art centre established in Western Australia and one of the oldest continuously operating art centres in Australia supporting economic independence for artists and their community. The centre operates artists’ studios and galleries and supports more than 100 artists as painters, printmakers, wood carvers, boab engravers, sculptors and textile artists. Cultural tours and performances compliment the visitor experience with a rich insight into Miriwoong culture. All proceeds from art sales, art commissions and cultural tourism is returned to the community to support an ongoing program of arts and cultural projects.
Pigeon dreaming
"Goorloordoordoog - the peace pigeon created this Country near Behn River in the Dreamtime. The central design represents a freshwater spring that the pigeon hid underground. A long time ago this place may have been a desert. This spring is a Dreaming place and should be protected but it has been destroyed by pastoralists who have allowed cattle to roam all over it. I use the nuclear waste symbol at the centre as a sign to say - keep away!"
DETAILS
- Natural ochre and pigments on canvas
- Dimensions: 150 x 180cm
- Cat No. 7021-24
ARTIST
Ben Ward – Galmirr’s painting practice focuses on his unique perspective of seeing and being with Country. His images depict his cultural knowledge and memories of the Country he explored as a young man mustering cattle. He employs triangular designs of juxtaposed coloured ochre depicting the waterways, mountain ranges and the sacred sites of his Country while also commenting on cultural and environmental concerns that are close to his heart.ART CENTRE
Waringarri is the first wholly indigenous owned art centre established in Western Australia and one of the oldest continuously operating art centres in Australia supporting economic independence for artists and their community. The centre operates artists’ studios and galleries and supports more than 100 artists as painters, printmakers, wood carvers, boab engravers, sculptors and textile artists. Cultural tours and performances compliment the visitor experience with a rich insight into Miriwoong culture. All proceeds from art sales, art commissions and cultural tourism is returned to the community to support an ongoing program of arts and cultural projects.
Dunham River Country
Ben Ward has depicted his adopted father's Country of Dunham River. On the right hand side is Doon Doon - Dunham River, which today travels towards Lake Argyle Dam. The heart shape in the centre of the painting depicts Jimoordboord, a valley where the Thegooyeng or ancestral pigeon in the dreamtime lived. The blue line dissecting the shape is a small freshwater spring which runs towards Doon Doon.
DETAILS
- Natural ochre and pigment on canvas
- Dimensions: 60 x 40cm
- Cat No. 7223-25
ARTIST
Ben Ward – Galmirr’s painting practice focuses on his unique perspective of seeing and being with Country. His images depict his cultural knowledge and memories of the Country he explored as a young man mustering cattle. He employs triangular designs of juxtaposed coloured ochre depicting the waterways, mountain ranges and the sacred sites of his Country while also commenting on cultural and environmental concerns that are close to his heart.ART CENTRE
Waringarri is the first wholly indigenous owned art centre established in Western Australia and one of the oldest continuously operating art centres in Australia supporting economic independence for artists and their community. The centre operates artists’ studios and galleries and supports more than 100 artists as painters, printmakers, wood carvers, boab engravers, sculptors and textile artists. Cultural tours and performances compliment the visitor experience with a rich insight into Miriwoong culture. All proceeds from art sales, art commissions and cultural tourism is returned to the community to support an ongoing program of arts and cultural projects.
Goorloordoordoog - Pigeon dreaming 1
"Goorloordoordoog - the peace pigeon created this Country near Behn River in the Dreamtime. The central design represents a freshwater spring that the pigeon hid underground. A long time ago this place may have been a desert. This spring is a Dreaming place and should be protected but it has been destroyed by pastoralists who have allowed cattle to roam all over it. I use the nuclear waste symbol at the centre as a sign to say - keep away!"
DETAILS
- Natural ochre and pigment on paper
- Dimensions: 76 x 56cm
- Cat No. 7411-25
ARTIST
Ben Ward – Galmirr’s painting practice focuses on his unique perspective of seeing and being with Country. His images depict his cultural knowledge and memories of the Country he explored as a young man mustering cattle. He employs triangular designs of juxtaposed coloured ochre depicting the waterways, mountain ranges and the sacred sites of his Country while also commenting on cultural and environmental concerns that are close to his heart.ART CENTRE
Waringarri is the first wholly indigenous owned art centre established in Western Australia and one of the oldest continuously operating art centres in Australia supporting economic independence for artists and their community. The centre operates artists’ studios and galleries and supports more than 100 artists as painters, printmakers, wood carvers, boab engravers, sculptors and textile artists. Cultural tours and performances compliment the visitor experience with a rich insight into Miriwoong culture. All proceeds from art sales, art commissions and cultural tourism is returned to the community to support an ongoing program of arts and cultural projects.Thethebeleng Sunset
Thethebeleng is the name of the hill. The sunset is like a big gajawooleng 'big fire' behind the hill. There is a cultural site that should be protected on the other side.
DETAILS
- Natural ochre and pigment on paper
- Dimensions: 76 x 56cm
- Cat No. 7386-25
ARTIST
Ben Ward – Galmirr’s painting practice focuses on his unique perspective of seeing and being with Country. His images depict his cultural knowledge and memories of the Country he explored as a young man mustering cattle. He employs triangular designs of juxtaposed coloured ochre depicting the waterways, mountain ranges and the sacred sites of his Country while also commenting on cultural and environmental concerns that are close to his heart.ART CENTRE
Waringarri is the first wholly indigenous owned art centre established in Western Australia and one of the oldest continuously operating art centres in Australia supporting economic independence for artists and their community. The centre operates artists’ studios and galleries and supports more than 100 artists as painters, printmakers, wood carvers, boab engravers, sculptors and textile artists. Cultural tours and performances compliment the visitor experience with a rich insight into Miriwoong culture. All proceeds from art sales, art commissions and cultural tourism is returned to the community to support an ongoing program of arts and cultural projects.Untitled 1
DETAILS
- Natural ochre and pigment on paper
- Dimensions: 76 x 56 cm
- Cat No. 7385-25
ARTIST
Ben Ward – Galmirr’s painting practice focuses on his unique perspective of seeing and being with Country. His images depict his cultural knowledge and memories of the Country he explored as a young man mustering cattle. He employs triangular designs of juxtaposed coloured ochre depicting the waterways, mountain ranges and the sacred sites of his Country while also commenting on cultural and environmental concerns that are close to his heart.
ART CENTRE
Waringarri is the first wholly indigenous owned art centre established in Western Australia and one of the oldest continuously operating art centres in Australia supporting economic independence for artists and their community. The centre operates artists’ studios and galleries and supports more than 100 artists as painters, printmakers, wood carvers, boab engravers, sculptors and textile artists. Cultural tours and performances compliment the visitor experience with a rich insight into Miriwoong culture. All proceeds from art sales, art commissions and cultural tourism is returned to the community to support an ongoing program of arts and cultural projects.
BEN GALMIRR WARD
“I was born at Argyle Downs Station in 1949 on the banks of Behn Creek, hence my name. My family all worked on the station, and we lived there until I was 10. We walked from Argyle Station to Ivanhoe so I could go to school at the Kimberley Research Station. My parents and extended family gained work at Ivanhoe Station. My stepfather, Jeff Junarma, taught me everything I know. He took me on as his own son. My real father was a stockman at Argyle Downs Station; he was half Miriwoong and half Afghan, and in those days, he couldn’t claim me as his own.”
Untitled 2
DETAILS
- Natural pigment on paper
- Dimensions: 76 x 44 cm
- Cat No. 107-26
ARTIST
Ben Ward – Galmirr’s painting practice focuses on his unique perspective of seeing and being with Country. His images depict his cultural knowledge and memories of the Country he explored as a young man mustering cattle. He employs triangular designs of juxtaposed coloured ochre depicting the waterways, mountain ranges and the sacred sites of his Country while also commenting on cultural and environmental concerns that are close to his heart.
ART CENTRE
Waringarri is the first wholly indigenous owned art centre established in Western Australia and one of the oldest continuously operating art centres in Australia supporting economic independence for artists and their community. The centre operates artists’ studios and galleries and supports more than 100 artists as painters, printmakers, wood carvers, boab engravers, sculptors and textile artists. Cultural tours and performances compliment the visitor experience with a rich insight into Miriwoong culture. All proceeds from art sales, art commissions and cultural tourism is returned to the community to support an ongoing program of arts and cultural projects.
Untitled 5
DETAILS
- Ochre on paper
- Dimensions: 87 x 67cm
- Cat No. 7249-25
ARTIST
Ben Ward – Galmirr’s painting practice focuses on his unique perspective of seeing and being with Country. His images depict his cultural knowledge and memories of the Country he explored as a young man mustering cattle. He employs triangular designs of juxtaposed coloured ochre depicting the waterways, mountain ranges and the sacred sites of his Country while also commenting on cultural and environmental concerns that are close to his heart.
ART CENTRE
Waringarri is the first wholly indigenous owned art centre established in Western Australia and one of the oldest continuously operating art centres in Australia supporting economic independence for artists and their community. The centre operates artists’ studios and galleries and supports more than 100 artists as painters, printmakers, wood carvers, boab engravers, sculptors and textile artists. Cultural tours and performances compliment the visitor experience with a rich insight into Miriwoong culture. All proceeds from art sales, art commissions and cultural tourism is returned to the community to support an ongoing program of arts and cultural projects.
Jimoordboord
DETAILS
- Natural ochre and pigment on canvas
- Dimensions: 125 x 130 cm
- Cat No. 5991-22
ARTIST
Ben Ward – Galmirr’s painting practice focuses on his unique perspective of seeing and being with Country. His images depict his cultural knowledge and memories of the Country he explored as a young man mustering cattle. He employs triangular designs of juxtaposed coloured ochre depicting the waterways, mountain ranges and the sacred sites of his Country while also commenting on cultural and environmental concerns that are close to his heart.
ART CENTRE
Waringarri is the first wholly indigenous owned art centre established in Western Australia and one of the oldest continuously operating art centres in Australia supporting economic independence for artists and their community. The centre operates artists’ studios and galleries and supports more than 100 artists as painters, printmakers, wood carvers, boab engravers, sculptors and textile artists. Cultural tours and performances compliment the visitor experience with a rich insight into Miriwoong culture. All proceeds from art sales, art commissions and cultural tourism is returned to the community to support an ongoing program of arts and cultural projects.
Goorloordoordoog 1
"Goorloordoordoog - the peace pigeon created this Country near Behn River in the Dreamtime. The central design represents a freshwater spring that the pigeon hid underground. A long time ago this place may have been a desert. This spring is a Dreaming place and should be protected but it has been destroyed by pastoralists who have allowed cattle to roam all over it".
DETAILS
- Screenprint (unframed)
- Dimensions: 56 x 76 cm
- Cat No. P021-25-8/40
ARTIST
Ben Ward – Galmirr’s painting practice focuses on his unique perspective of seeing and being with Country. His images depict his cultural knowledge and memories of the Country he explored as a young man mustering cattle. He employs triangular designs of juxtaposed coloured ochre depicting the waterways, mountain ranges and the sacred sites of his Country while also commenting on cultural and environmental concerns that are close to his heart.
ART CENTRE
Waringarri is the first wholly indigenous owned art centre established in Western Australia and one of the oldest continuously operating art centres in Australia supporting economic independence for artists and their community. The centre operates artists’ studios and galleries and supports more than 100 artists as painters, printmakers, wood carvers, boab engravers, sculptors and textile artists. Cultural tours and performances compliment the visitor experience with a rich insight into Miriwoong culture. All proceeds from art sales, art commissions and cultural tourism is returned to the community to support an ongoing program of arts and cultural projects.
Goorloordoordoog 2
"Goorloordoordoog - the peace pigeon created this Country near Behn River in the Dreamtime. The central design represents a freshwater spring that the pigeon hid underground. A long time ago this place may have been a desert. This spring is a Dreaming place and should be protected but it has been destroyed by pastoralists who have allowed cattle to roam all over it".
DETAILS
- Screenprint (unframed)
- Dimensions: 56 x 76 cm
- Cat No. P020-25-8/40
ARTIST
Ben Ward – Galmirr’s painting practice focuses on his unique perspective of seeing and being with Country. His images depict his cultural knowledge and memories of the Country he explored as a young man mustering cattle. He employs triangular designs of juxtaposed coloured ochre depicting the waterways, mountain ranges and the sacred sites of his Country while also commenting on cultural and environmental concerns that are close to his heart.
ART CENTRE
Waringarri is the first wholly indigenous owned art centre established in Western Australia and one of the oldest continuously operating art centres in Australia supporting economic independence for artists and their community. The centre operates artists’ studios and galleries and supports more than 100 artists as painters, printmakers, wood carvers, boab engravers, sculptors and textile artists. Cultural tours and performances compliment the visitor experience with a rich insight into Miriwoong culture. All proceeds from art sales, art commissions and cultural tourism is returned to the community to support an ongoing program of arts and cultural projects.
Goorloordoordoog 3
"Goorloordoordoog - the peace pigeon created this Country near Behn River in the Dreamtime. The central design represents a freshwater spring that the pigeon hid underground. A long time ago this place may have been a desert. This spring is a Dreaming place and should be protected but it has been destroyed by pastoralists who have allowed cattle to roam all over it".
DETAILS
- Screenprint (framed)
- Dimensions: 66 x 87 cm
- Cat No. P022-25-27/40
ARTIST
Ben Ward – Galmirr’s painting practice focuses on his unique perspective of seeing and being with Country. His images depict his cultural knowledge and memories of the Country he explored as a young man mustering cattle. He employs triangular designs of juxtaposed coloured ochre depicting the waterways, mountain ranges and the sacred sites of his Country while also commenting on cultural and environmental concerns that are close to his heart.
ART CENTRE
Waringarri is the first wholly indigenous owned art centre established in Western Australia and one of the oldest continuously operating art centres in Australia supporting economic independence for artists and their community. The centre operates artists’ studios and galleries and supports more than 100 artists as painters, printmakers, wood carvers, boab engravers, sculptors and textile artists. Cultural tours and performances compliment the visitor experience with a rich insight into Miriwoong culture. All proceeds from art sales, art commissions and cultural tourism is returned to the community to support an ongoing program of arts and cultural projects.