NYARAPAYI GILES

Ochre is a sacred material and is widely used for painting up in ceremony and decorating weapons. Such was its value, it was actively traded throughout Australia by Aboriginal people across the continent. Nyarapayi’s work stands as homage to this precious substance that claims a central role within all Australian Aboriginal cultures.

Nyarapayi's work poetically captures the paradox of the outback: the power and permanence of an ancient land, and the delicate softness of the earth that forms it. Much of traditional Aboriginal lore places high importance on land management to ensure plentiful food and water supplies. These principles of management were given to the people by the Ancestor spirits through songs and stories that are still performed and observed today.

Nyarapayi is represented in public and private collections internationally.