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Aroriginal Art: Nativity
http://www.companysj.com/v144/desert.html
By Mathew Gill
"Some earlier works of Balgo artists can come across as an uneasy overlay of Christian iconography on traditional Aboriginal designs. The distinctive dots, spirals, crescent shapes, and footprints of classic Aboriginal painting are part of these works, but the crosses, spears, and holy flames reflecting the Gospel narratives can seem not fully assimilated into the indigenous artistic styles."
"In the works of certain artists, such as Matthew Gill, this integration and interplay of Aboriginal and Christian imagery occurs more successfully and beautifully. Using the earthy reds, yellow ochres, and black and white of traditional cave drawings, Matthew Gill produces striking images of biblical narrative, such as the parable of the Prodigal Son and Pentecost. His paintings have been exhibited in Australia and abroad, but some of his most important initial works hang in the church in Balgo."
"One of his paintings, draped over the altar, follows the journey of humankind from their creation through the quest of Abraham and his tribe to Moses and the Exodus, culminating in the Nativity. Archetypal crescent-shaped figures represent the people in these stories; subtle variations of color and detail distinguish the characters in this narrative of salvation."
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