Women ready to go hunting to collect food for their family by Joan Sultan, 32x32cm FJ248JoS

"Women Ready to Go Hunting to Collect Food for Their Family" by Joan Sultan features an intricate background with each ochre dot containing a white dotted interior, creating a sense of depth and optical play. The painting skilfully uses iconography to represent various elements: U shapes symbolise the women, elongated shapes depict their weapons, and the circle represents the campfire. On the back of the canvas, Joan Sultan has handwritten a description of the iconography, adding context to her work.

Joan Sultan comes from a family of talented artists, including her sisters, June and Trephina Sultan. Her brother, Reg Sultan, an accomplished painter, was instrumental in encouraging her to pursue painting.

Joan's artwork highlights the essential role of women in hunting and gathering food for their families, a vital aspect of Aboriginal life. Through her use of detailed symbolism and vibrant colors, she captures the deep cultural connection between the Aboriginal people and their land. Joan's paintings celebrate the rich traditions and communal bonds that sustain her community, preserving these important practices for future generations and showcasing the enduring legacy of her family and the broader Aboriginal heritage.