CORDULA EBATARINJA

TITLE: Gum tree with landscape

SIZE: 26.5cm X 38cm (10.4" X 15")

MEDIUM: Watercolor on paper on cardboard

YEAR PAINTED: circa 1960's

PROVENANCE: Purchased directly from the artist. Private collection Melbourne.

In a school of art where men dominate, it was not easy for Cordula be taken seriously at first. Albert Namatjira had taught Cordula the ropes in painting the landscape in the style that had become his.

The Hermannsburg watercolors are so special, for they unite Western materials never before used by the Australian Aboriginals with the dreamtime storytelling. Western Arrernte people have always depicted their land topographically. Once introduced to these new materials, they began to represent the dreamings and as they actually are.

Often these sites are sacred and many stories are not to be told to those outside the community.

This bright and colorful watercolor by Cordula is a stunning example of Hermannsburg watercolors that were being produced around the 60's. The gum tree, for Australians, is probably one of the most iconic images of the country. We must remember that the Gum tree is linked to several different dreamings.

This painting will be posted framed, and will be packaged well to minimize any risk of damage whilst the artwork is in transit.

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