Digging Goanna, Cooking Eggs & Collecting Bush Fruit by Reggie Sultan
Original Painting, Acrylic, Canvas, 2023, Australia
Size 35.5” x 21.7”
“I have painted a hunting and food gathering story in my desert Country. All the waterholes are full, and all the flowers are blooming and the country is looking beautiful. The women are sitting around a fire cooking goanna eggs. The U Shape represents the Woman, the oval shape is the coolamon which was the bowl the bush fruits went into and the long stick is the digging stick that the women used to pick up the Witchetty Grubs and dig for yams (sweet potato). It took a long time for the women to gather this food for the whole tribe. For us men, it was different, we sat around the waterholes late afternoon time and waited for the animals to come down for a drink. In this painting two goannas are heading to the waterholes.” ~ Reggie Sultan
Reggie’s artistic evolution is a compelling narrative of cultural immersion and creative exploration. His early years at Alice Springs Convent School, where he garnered numerous accolades, laid the foundation for his artistic pursuits. Yet, it was the time spent observing the seasoned artists along Todd River and Chinaman’s Creek that truly honed his craft.
Embracing the ‘Namatjira’ style initially, Reggie’s depiction of his hometown landscapes soon found an audience, leading to his first sale at the mission block store. His work life on stations as a hand and fencer paralleled his artistic journey, painting whenever the opportunity arose.
Since 1985, Reggie’s transition to a professional artist has seen him delve into traditional dot painting styles, narrating the stories of his mother’s country in Central Australia. His art, rich with Aboriginal symbols and personal bush experiences, vividly recounts tales of hunting, gathering, and the indigenous lifestyle.
Reggie’s palette, particularly the use of ochres and oxides on black canvas, and his experimentation with matte-finish paints, reflect his dedication to authenticity. The unique speckled background effect, achieved with leaves, adds a signature touch to his works, some of which require months of meticulous effort.
With increasing recognition and exposure, including multiple participations in the National Aboriginal Art Awards since his move to Darwin, Reggie’s works stand as a testament to his enduring commitment to his art and heritage. His journey is not just one of personal achievement but also a celebration of the rich Aboriginal culture that continues to inspire his canvas.
Original Painting, Acrylic, Canvas, 2023, Australia
Size 35.5” x 21.7”
“I have painted a hunting and food gathering story in my desert Country. All the waterholes are full, and all the flowers are blooming and the country is looking beautiful. The women are sitting around a fire cooking goanna eggs. The U Shape represents the Woman, the oval shape is the coolamon which was the bowl the bush fruits went into and the long stick is the digging stick that the women used to pick up the Witchetty Grubs and dig for yams (sweet potato). It took a long time for the women to gather this food for the whole tribe. For us men, it was different, we sat around the waterholes late afternoon time and waited for the animals to come down for a drink. In this painting two goannas are heading to the waterholes.” ~ Reggie Sultan
Reggie’s artistic evolution is a compelling narrative of cultural immersion and creative exploration. His early years at Alice Springs Convent School, where he garnered numerous accolades, laid the foundation for his artistic pursuits. Yet, it was the time spent observing the seasoned artists along Todd River and Chinaman’s Creek that truly honed his craft.
Embracing the ‘Namatjira’ style initially, Reggie’s depiction of his hometown landscapes soon found an audience, leading to his first sale at the mission block store. His work life on stations as a hand and fencer paralleled his artistic journey, painting whenever the opportunity arose.
Since 1985, Reggie’s transition to a professional artist has seen him delve into traditional dot painting styles, narrating the stories of his mother’s country in Central Australia. His art, rich with Aboriginal symbols and personal bush experiences, vividly recounts tales of hunting, gathering, and the indigenous lifestyle.
Reggie’s palette, particularly the use of ochres and oxides on black canvas, and his experimentation with matte-finish paints, reflect his dedication to authenticity. The unique speckled background effect, achieved with leaves, adds a signature touch to his works, some of which require months of meticulous effort.
With increasing recognition and exposure, including multiple participations in the National Aboriginal Art Awards since his move to Darwin, Reggie’s works stand as a testament to his enduring commitment to his art and heritage. His journey is not just one of personal achievement but also a celebration of the rich Aboriginal culture that continues to inspire his canvas.
Original Painting, Acrylic, Canvas, 2023, Australia
Size 35.5” x 21.7”
“I have painted a hunting and food gathering story in my desert Country. All the waterholes are full, and all the flowers are blooming and the country is looking beautiful. The women are sitting around a fire cooking goanna eggs. The U Shape represents the Woman, the oval shape is the coolamon which was the bowl the bush fruits went into and the long stick is the digging stick that the women used to pick up the Witchetty Grubs and dig for yams (sweet potato). It took a long time for the women to gather this food for the whole tribe. For us men, it was different, we sat around the waterholes late afternoon time and waited for the animals to come down for a drink. In this painting two goannas are heading to the waterholes.” ~ Reggie Sultan
Reggie’s artistic evolution is a compelling narrative of cultural immersion and creative exploration. His early years at Alice Springs Convent School, where he garnered numerous accolades, laid the foundation for his artistic pursuits. Yet, it was the time spent observing the seasoned artists along Todd River and Chinaman’s Creek that truly honed his craft.
Embracing the ‘Namatjira’ style initially, Reggie’s depiction of his hometown landscapes soon found an audience, leading to his first sale at the mission block store. His work life on stations as a hand and fencer paralleled his artistic journey, painting whenever the opportunity arose.
Since 1985, Reggie’s transition to a professional artist has seen him delve into traditional dot painting styles, narrating the stories of his mother’s country in Central Australia. His art, rich with Aboriginal symbols and personal bush experiences, vividly recounts tales of hunting, gathering, and the indigenous lifestyle.
Reggie’s palette, particularly the use of ochres and oxides on black canvas, and his experimentation with matte-finish paints, reflect his dedication to authenticity. The unique speckled background effect, achieved with leaves, adds a signature touch to his works, some of which require months of meticulous effort.
With increasing recognition and exposure, including multiple participations in the National Aboriginal Art Awards since his move to Darwin, Reggie’s works stand as a testament to his enduring commitment to his art and heritage. His journey is not just one of personal achievement but also a celebration of the rich Aboriginal culture that continues to inspire his canvas.