Rock Art School 2008

The Rock Art Field School at Gunbalanya is a unique opportunity to connect with a living cultural tradition that informs the life of many of the people who live in northern Australia. The tradition of rock painting has been practiced for centuries as a medium for expression, recording and teaching all over the world, but in Gunbalanya the tradition continues in the artists who still paint the stories of their culture, not on the rock cave walls anymore but on bark, canvas and paper.

This was the aspect of the Rock Art School that resonated the most in my mind. It is not difficult to find rock paintings in many parts of Australia, but to be with the custodians of the paintings, guided around the galleries by contemporary artists, and being given insights and explanations about the images (just enough for a white urban brain to absorb) was a privilege that made the experience special. Injalak Hill houses the rock art, and Injalak Art Centre is the home of the artists, and together the presence of mischievous Mimi Spirits, Yawk Yawk water sprits, weather spirits, crocodile, kangaroo and other totems become reality in the images and words of the Gunbalanya artists.

A team spirit was generated amongst all members of the rock art school, including the students, tutors, and extended family, through the experience of living and traveling together, interaction with the local community, and experience of the arts. As well as studying rock art we also learnt about: the use of traditional locally sourced materials for art and crafts; acceptance of the concept of Arnhem Land time (don’t be in too much of a hurry); an appreciation of the fruits of the land (or river and sea at least, thanks to the hunters in the group) with fresh barramundi and mud crab; an understanding of difference (vegetarians and carnivores, young and not so young, can live together); and an appreciation of the industrious nature of our tutors. Thanks Sally, Mel, and Ines for your input, and thanks to the rest of the group for your good humour, tolerance, and sense of cooperation that made Rock Art School 2008 a memorable experience.

John Hayward