River and Palm Trees '08 by Sonia Kurarra, 30x59cm, Cat 10592SK

"River and Palm Trees '08" by Sonia Kurarra beautifully depicts the sandy billabong country along the Fitzroy River, known as Martuwarra, which runs directly behind her community in Noonkanbah. Sonia's paintings highlight the lush environment, showcasing the palm trees and the rich aquatic life that thrives after the floodwaters recede. Billabongs along this stretch of the river hold a plentiful supply of parlka (barramundi), kurlumajarti (catfish), and bream.

Sonia's work vividly captures the river's life, featuring various fish such as barramundi, catfish, brim, sharks (Nganku), swordfish (Wirritunany), and stingrays. These species continue to thrive in the billabongs even after the floods. Her painting includes elements like gapi (fish), parrmarr (rocks) where the fish is cooked, ngurti (coolamon), and a karli (boomerang). The presence of Kalpurtu, a creator serpent-type being, is also a prominent feature, symbolizing its residence in rock holes and its swimming around the Palma (creeks) and Wakiri (pandanus trees) along the river.

Born by a billabong at Noonkanbah community, Sonia’s parents were Walmajarri people who settled by the Fitzroy River. Sonia has spent most of her life in Noonkanbah, deeply connected to the river. She is not only a prolific artist but also worked as a teacher's aide, facilitating art projects with local children. Her art reflects her intimate relationship with her homeland, showcasing motifs of river life such as barramundi, brim, tortoise, stingray, pandanus trees, and the river itself.