Trish Cerminara (centre-left) sitting next to her painting ‘Curragong Dreaming’ with ‘Currawa Crossing’ fellow Albury artist and ‘First Nations’ Creative Development Officer’ for the ‘Murray Arts’ Mark-John Martyn (left), exhibition curator and Federation Council’s ‘Community Projects & Events Officer’ Camille Whitehead (centre), Federation Council’s ‘Customer Service Officer’ Tina and Olivia Baker ‘Federation Council’s Interim Services Officer’ (far-left) and locals Michael and Annette Mack (far-right).
Award winning Aboriginal artists Trish Cerminara and Stephen Berger made the trek from Albury to Corowa for the Indigenous art exhibition ‘Currawa Crossing’ at Corowa’s Civic Centre last Friday.
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Both artists used the ancient art medium of ‘dot painting’ to create two striking pieces that each told their own unique story using acrylic paints in various shades of colours and patterns.
Trish’s ‘Currajong Dreaming’ was inspired by her great-grandmother’s bush tucker story of the native curragong tree.
“The tree was a popular food source for my people, we would gather, cook and crush the seeds into fine powder to flavour food,” she told The Free Press.
“It was also used for weaving and wrapping around tools.”
Stephen’s ‘Sun Dreaming’ painting tells the story of the sun and has been handed down to him through his great-grandmother, Nellie Ararka. He paints these pieces with great care.
Trish Cerminara standing with fellow artist Stephen Berger and his painting ‘Sun Dreaming’.
Formerly of Alice Springs, Stephen said he was honoured to be part of this ancient dreaming culture. “I will continue to pass this story on to future generations,” he said.
Corowa residents Michael Mack and his wife Annette were visitors and spent time enjoying the various exhibits on display.
Michael said, ”I like it, the paintings’ colours and shapes are unique.“
Annette was also impressed; “we both enjoyed this year’s exhibition,” she commented about the twenty-seven most impressive paintings.
