Skip to product information
1 of 1

Elsie Gabori

ELSIE GABORI | ‘Fish Trap’ | Acrylic on Belgian linen | 50 h x 40 w cm

ELSIE GABORI | ‘Fish Trap’ | Acrylic on Belgian linen | 50 h x 40 w cm

Regular price $2,125.00 AUD
Regular price $2,500.00 AUD Sale price $2,125.00 AUD
Sale Sold out
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

"My mother was born on the nearby Albinia Island. We call this island Dalwai in our language. It's just west of Bentinck Island.

I was born on Bentinck island. When I was about 2 or 3 years old our people were all taken from Bentinck island to the mission on Mornington Island because there was a severe fresh water shortage on Bentinck island. I was placed in the dormitory and kept away from my parents. I attended the mission school along with the Lardil children of Mornington Island. I went to school until I turned 15 and then I went to work as a housemaid in the mission house. I was paid about 10 shillings a week but we lived off the land and sea and didn't really need money.

A vacancy opened on a cattle property on the mainland at Kamilaroy and I was sent there to work as a house servant for 3 years before I returned to Mornington Island. I raised a family of 3 girls and 2 boys with my present partner Bob Thompson.

I only had housework to do and was bored. My mum was selling lots of paintings and really enjoyed painting. One of my brothers passed away so I went up to the Art Centre with mum to keep her company and decided to try painting for myself. I found that I loved it as well. I really want to become a good artist like my mum and paint about Bentinck Island and my people and their stories."

Elsie Gabori Dibirdibi

Elsie Gabori passed away 11th November 2023

 

ELSIE GABORI | ‘Fish Trap’ | Acrylic on Belgian linen | 50 h x 40 w cm

 

View full details