Amanda Hinkelmann

Danba-ng (Alive-Green, Fresh, Strong)

Represented within this artwork is our planet as it thrives- looked after by our people.
It shares the idea of reciprocal care-taking and the way our people were taught to care for the land, so it in turn, cared for us. In the centre of the piece are people gathered collectively, caring for one-another. Wrapping around them, are the plants that nourish them, mend them when they are ill, give their fibres for weaving and tool-making. There are symbols of the rain coming down, cleansing them, and quenching their thirst. The wind blows through the artwork, carrying away with it illness, and replacing the skies with fresh, clean air to breathe. This piece is part of the 'Dabaa-Malang' art release.

Yilawura (Night)

This artwork represents camp trips with extended family. There are representations of our camps, each family in its own area, with a central fire in which we sit together for much of the day. There is the lake which we fish, canoe and swim in- always competing for the biggest and most fish. On one side, we are met with Australian Eucalypts, and on the other, hills covered in pine. The kangaroos move freely between. The stars sit above us, with our old people watching down, checking that Pop has enough wood on the fire, that Toby had poked it just the right about of times with his big stick, and that the kids have just enough marshmallows to give them a tummy ache.

Bunha-Bunhanga (An Abundance of Food)

This artwork represents the bush tucker used by Aboriginal peoples. It represents the way in which the country provides for the people and the animals that live there, and the way in which the people take only what they need, to ensure there is always an abundance of food. It was the role of the woman to forage for berries, fruits, and native herbs. They would collect these items carefully, teaching the young as they went which foods were able to be collected and which were better left alone. There are representations within this artwork of lemon myrtle, wattle seeds, Kakadu plum, desert quandong, wattles and river red gum.

Marang Ngurung (Good Night)

This artwork symbolises experiences of being out on Country at night. The campfire cracking, family nestled around- yarns under the stars. It represents feeling complete with those around you, connected to nature. Gazing up to those that rest above you as they look down and guide. This artwork draws inspiration from nights on Ngarigo Country, where we spend time with extended family fishing, canoeing, and camping.

Ngurra (Together)

This artwork represents belonging to a place and a community. It represents the people around you and the connections you have with them. There are layers of people wrapped in meeting places. This shows the layers of those you are close to, and those that you have in your life each day. There is a metaphorical meaning within this piece, strengthened by the colour palette and the images of concentric circles- like a drop in the water. It tells the moral of one’s actions, and how, like a drop in the water, they travel outward and their effects continue. It reflects the notion to always speak truth, kindness and love- as this is what will travel outward and affect those in your circles and beyond.

Garru, Wandyu, Gilaa (Magpie, Crow, Galah)

Birds often come into our day, and often to provide us with direction; with a message. They act as a symbol for the future, and what one may come to expect within the weeks to follow.
For me, I have a collective of birds that visit and look after me, and my family. The crow- a symbol of home, of guidance, of change. The magpie, a faithful friend and a companion- not one to worry too much about. The galah, a symbol for me that I need to relax and take things more lightly, a message to slow down and enjoy the fun parts to life. This piece is part of the 'Dabaa-Malang' art release.

Wambuwanbunmarra (Mix)

Represented within this artwork is the idea of all that is on Earth and within our skies is one, it is mixed. Our great creator made the land, its waterways, its spirit-beings, our people, and the skies. This piece touches on the idea of all of this being linked; the notion that without one, the others wouldn't be complete. It shares the idea that as a living being, we are of the Earth, and we return to the Earth. We are not separate to our lands, and we don't own them, but rather, care for them. This piece is part of the 'Dabaa-Malang' art release.