1 1

Agnes Kohler

AGNES KOHLER | 'Starfish and Sea Urchin Skeleton ' | Acrylic on linen  | 40.5 h x 51 w cm

AGNES KOHLER | 'Starfish and Sea Urchin Skeleton ' | Acrylic on linen  | 40.5 h x 51 w cm

$1,250.00 AUD
$1,250.00 AUD
Sale Sold out
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
Agnes paints from her home on Mornington Island, the largest in a cluster of 22 islands in the turquoise seas of the Gulf of Carpentaria off Queensland. The Lardil people are recognised as the Traditional Owners of Mornington Island, having occupied these lands for more than 8,000 years.

Mornington Island holds a rich cultural history passed down from generation to generation through a diverse and dynamic array of songlines, stories, dance and Aboriginal Lore. Today, the only permanent community on the islands is Gununa, hosting a population of around 1,200.

Agnes is a Kaidildt woman, born and living on Gununa. Her Country is Dukawalne on Bentinck Island. Agnes tells the story of growing up on Island:
Much of Agnes’ practice has centred around the different coloured rocks found strewn across Bentinck Island.

“In our Kayardild language we call them Mirraa (pretty) Kamarra (rocks),” says Agnes.

Other common motifs include depictions of her Grandmother’s Country, as well as the mud shells, saltpans and marine life found around her island home. 

“I paint about things I remember, simple things that are beautiful,” says Agnes.

“That helps me remember them better and shows other people about my Country. Usually I paint on linen because [Mi Art Centre Manager] John says this is the best and what professional artists should use. I have been doing a lot of drawing with coloured pencils, too.”

For Agnes, art is now a way of life. An opportunity to share her stories and soothe her soul.
“My art is important because it helps me tell stories to the young ones, she says. “It helps me be busy and not worry so much about things.”

"I was born soon after my people crossed over to Mornington Island. In those days the Lardil mob fostered or adopted us as their family. The Jacobs adopted me and my sister Gay. In the 60s I was sent out to work on the mainland. I worked at Julia Creek. As I raised my family, I also adopted a few more children. Now I am surrounded by my family. I use to muck around scribbling, drawing little houses with my kids. My children tell me to join the old people here at the Art Centre, save me from worrying, and take my mind off things. It's also good to be alongside family members at the Art Centre working, creating, and learning together." - Agnes Kholer (nee Goongarra) 

AGNES KOHLER | 'Starfish and Sea Urchin Skeleton ' | Acrylic on linen  | 40.5 h x 51 w cm

View full details