Melissa Ladkin "Binangwan" (Remember)

122 x 122 cms Ochre pigments on Linen Canvas. My practice represents the multi-layered history of our people and our intrinsic connection to country. I have been caring for country for most of my life and have a reciprocal relationship with the land. This practice has brought me closer to the heart of our ancient land and shares old stories & wisdom. Ochres are living, sentient beings, filled with energy & spirit and hold a knowing that is learned over deep time. I acknowledge and honour the connection that my people and all traditional owners have to this ancient medium. I respect & understand that each different nation/clan group has its own history, traditional cultural practices, protocols and spiritual beliefs to ochres. “These ochre stories are the palette of my cultural expression and I hope they can evoke and resonate with your own connection to country and how you walk upon it”. - Mel