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In Aboriginal culture art is a means of communicating historical and cultural stories without written language. It may also provide a roadmap to survival in an environment which can be as harsh as it can be kind. We are privileged to have several very talented people whose work is on display in Milparinka.
Anthony Hayward is a young Ngiyampaa man who was raised in Broken Hill while spending time in Menindee, Wilcannia as well as Tibooburra where his foster family, the Browns, lived.
Anthony’s connections with the Corner Country were strengthened when his mother’s cousin married into the Quayle family.
Anthony was inspired to take up wood carving about five years ago by his cousin, and has worked at developing this, as well as his painting style, ever since. He describes it as a journey that has been encouraged and mentored by his connections with Barkindji people.
He draws inspiration from nature, especially birds and animals and mostly uses mulga and red gum, all sourced from western New South Wales.
Bonnie Quayle is a self-taught Barkindji/Malyangapa artist who lives and works in Broken Hill. Primarily a lino-cut and acrylic paint artist, she interprets her cultural stories with a strong emphasis on her maternal line and the representation of women.
Her corten work depicting the matrilineal connections within her family is located in Loftus Street, Milparinka
In 2021 Bonnie Quayle won the Maari Ma Indigenous Art Award.
Shane Bates was born and raised in Wilcannia. His ancestry is both Malyangapa and Barkindji but also a bit of Irish. He worked in Sydney and Newcastle but “always came back” to the bush and has spent the past 23 years in Broken Hill. Before taking up art full time Shane worked mostly as a labourer.
Shane began painting in 1992 and was inspired by his cousin, the late Gerald Quayle. Although reluctant as first, Shane soon found that he loves painting and “does it” every day. He is never bored and feels contented when working at his art.
Shane says that he combines his Irish ancestry with Aboriginal dot-painting style to create art works that are very detailed and colourful. He works on canvas but also paints on rocks, woodwork, animal skulls and emu or ostrich eggs.
His subject matter is influenced by Aboriginal culture, drawing inspiration from the colours of the landscape, especially one of his favourite places, Mutawintji.
