Ray James’ works typically feature a geometric grid of undulating squares. This piece however, features dotted lines of fine rolling waves in reds, giving the impression of heavy clouds rolling across a darkened sky and rain falling all across the canvas.
Some aspects of this painting are secret and are known only to the initiated of the Australian First Nations people. However, we do know that it depicts the site of Yunala, which is west of Kiwirrkurra and is where a large group of mythological Tingari men camped before they travelled east to Pinari, north-west of Kintore. While at Yunala, the Tingari men collected bush banana, an edible root otherwise known as silky pear vine (Marsdenia australis), which was readily available throughout the area.
Provenance
Painted for Yanda Aboriginal Art, Alice Springs, Australia
Exhibited
'Interwoven Worlds', SmithDavidson Gallery X Wolterinck Laren, Laren, The Netherlands, 2025
Please note that all First Nations Art is created from a so called ‘Birds Eye’ view. This means that the paintings can be hung either horizontally as well as vertically.
SmithDavidson Gallery represents a wide range of Australian First Nations Art. Please contact us for additional information.