GIRRINGUN ART CENTRE - PHILIP DENHAM | 'Yada ( Fishing Line )' | Hand made rope / carved wooden winding board / ochre

Philip Denham is an artist working at the Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre, based in Cardwell, Far North Queensland. He is a language speaker and knowledge holder and works with other Traditional Owners to share what he knows. He is a creator of traditional tools and has an extensive knowledge of the environment and its resources. Philip was taught by his parents who are highly respected Elders of the area.. 

Established in 2008, the Girringun Art Centre is home to multi-award winning artists and craftsmen.

Located in Cardwell, Queensland, Girringun represents artists from nine Traditional Owner Groups: the Nywaigi, Gugu Badhan, Warrgamay, Warungnu, Bandjin, Girramay, Gulngay, Jirrbal and Djiru people.

The traditional country of these groups covers some 25,000 square kilometres of country in the state’s far-North. Objects from this country are significantly different from those of much of the rest of Australia. Weaving is done by both men and women, and the diversity of resources between land and sea have resulted in a vast array of implements being crafted for use.

A living functioning art centre, it is not unusual to see artists in the workshop developing new work and honing their craft. The stories and environments of this ancient culture are being transformed daily into visual images and designs by weavers, painters, potters, textile artists, and makers of traditional objects.

These artists bring to life the unique cultural story and expression of the distinctive Aboriginal rainforest art traditions and culture of the Girringun region, to share with the world.

GIRRINGUN ART CENTRE - PHILIP DENHAM | 'Yada ( Fishing Line )' | Hand made rope / carved wooden winding board / ochre5 (h) x 15 (w) x 6 (d) cm