The paintings by Aboriginal women in ‘Fluent’ celebrate the diverse ways in which the artists tell creation narratives of their country, and describe, in largely-abstract imagery, the physical features of the lands that are so meaningful for them. In this they complement perfectly the works by Queensland artist Sally Gabori (c.1924—2015) in the exhibition ‘Mirdidingkingathi Juwarnda Sally Gabori: Dulka Warngiid Land of All’.

Expansive fields of colour are used succinctly to evoke impressions of vast salt pans, desert plains and fresh and saltwater sites. The complexity of surface patterning and texture allude to the rich experiences of environments that are ever−changing.

In Wutan #2 2014, Mavis Ngallametta of Aurukun (north Queensland) employs both vibrant blue tones and a more subdued earthy palette to paint, in her characteristically intense and stratified style, rivers, streams and tributaries at sites that are both traditional and contemporary story places. Wutan, positioned as it is at the mouth of the Archer (one of Cape York’s great wild rivers), is both a rich hunting and story place for Kugu people.

Image credit – Nancy Nyanjilpayi Chapman, Manyjilyjarra people Australia, WA b.1942 / May Maywokka Chapman, Manyjilyjarra people WA b.c.1940s / Mulyatingki Marney, Manyjilyjarra people WA b.1941 / Marjorie Malatu Yates, Manyjilyjarra people WA b.c.1950 / Mukurtu 2010 / Synthetic polymer paint on linen / Purchased 2010 with funds from Professor John Hay, AC, and Mrs Barbara Hay through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery / © The artists.