2014.323a-d GABORI

Mirdidingkingathi Juwarnda Sally Gabori’s Dibirdibi Country 2012 maps a large saltpan on Bentinck Island in the Gulf of Carpentaria, a place on her husband Kabarrarjingathi Bulthuku Pat Gabori’s country. The painting tells of the land and stories associated with Dibirdibi (the Rock Cod ancestor).

The reach of the artist’s arm can be seen in the sweeping gestures across the canvas, which creates a dramatic presence. Dibirdibi Country is a strong an example of how Gabori’s work became more restrained towards the final years of her practice. In contrast to her earlier paintings, with their abundant colours, in this work white and dark navy overlap and intertwine to create subtle shifts in tint across the dynamic canvas.