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Chara the fireman c.1973-76

Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online
Accession No.
2022.011
Date Created
c.1973-76
Gallery location
Not on public display
Department
Indigenous Australian Art
Dimensions A
13.5 x 6.5cm (diam.) (irreg.)
Media Category
Ceramic
Secondary Media Category
stoneware
Medium
Handthrown, reduction fired stoneware with tenmoku glazed interior and handpainted in iron and manganese oxides
Credit Line
Purchased 2022. Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Foundation

Ayala, Peetharr, Gemini twins and date palm, Chara the fireman and Chivaree dancing c.1973–76 illustrate how Thanakupi maintains cultural continuity, using totemic imagery to depict Thaynakwith stories and legends. Each vase has been hand-thrown, hand-painted, and reflects the early training she received during the 1970s, which favoured functional thrown stoneware vessels. The simplified designs also evoke the lessons of her Japanese-born teacher, Shiga Shigeo.

Ayala is the messenger bird, and Peetharr shows Pwi’ dharridha, the Willy Wagtail, who is always looking behind. Gemini twins and date palm sees the young brothers around drimbe (date palm); while Chivaree dancing depicts Chivarri, the Seagull man. The figure of Chara also appears elsewhere in the display.

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