Hair String Story, 2007

181.5 x 122 cm, 185 x 125.5 cm frame

Est. $16,000 – $24,000

Hammer $10,000

Provenance: Metro Five Gallery, Vic Private Collection, Vic
Artwork story: Judy Watson lived a nomadic life near Mt. Doreen in the vast Warlpiri country that lies between the Tanami and Gibson deserts before settling into Yuendumu and bringing up ten children. At the time she began painting, the influence of those early years spent walking through the land of her ancestors burst forth in art works focused on creation stories of the Karnta-kurlangu ancestral beings at Mina Mina, west of Yuendumu. It was here that they danced across the land, creating important sites, discovering plants, foods and medicines and establishing the ceremonies that would perpetuate their generative powers. The dancing women wore hairspring belts (Marjardi) and tassels rubbed with red ochre and fat, emphasising their passion and power. The potent life force with which they imbued the country is evoked in Judy's love of colour and richly textured, drag-dotting style which traces the sinuous lines of dancing women crossing the country.

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Sale 1 · Lot 57

c.1925 – 2016

181.5 x 122 cm, 185 x 125.5 cm frame

Est. $16,000 – $24,000

Hammer $10,000

Provenance: Metro Five Gallery, Vic Private Collection, Vic
Artwork story: Judy Watson lived a nomadic life near Mt. Doreen in the vast Warlpiri country that lies between the Tanami and Gibson deserts before settling into Yuendumu and bringing up ten children. At the time she began painting, the influence of those early years spent walking through the land of her ancestors burst forth in art works focused on creation stories of the Karnta-kurlangu ancestral beings at Mina Mina, west of Yuendumu. It was here that they danced across the land, creating important sites, discovering plants, foods and medicines and establishing the ceremonies that would perpetuate their generative powers. The dancing women wore hairspring belts (Marjardi) and tassels rubbed with red ochre and fat, emphasising their passion and power. The potent life force with which they imbued the country is evoked in Judy's love of colour and richly textured, drag-dotting style which traces the sinuous lines of dancing women crossing the country.