The first event of the year for Bennett was held on January 11th, where colleagues and clients welcomed to our offices overlooking the Swan River special guests and staff for the official unveiling of our new artwork Ngurra, a large-scale painting by women artists from the Yinjaa-Barni art collective in Roebourne. The principal artist, Yindjibarndi Elder Allery Sandy, flew to Perth for the event, accompanied by her brother and fellow Elder, John Sandy. We were also joined by Wirlu-murra Enterprises Executive General Manager José Castillo.
Allery offered personal insights into the significance of the different emblems in the painting – the waterholes, bush seeds, native grasses, wildflowers, creeks and rivers that are a feature of the Pilbara landscape. She explained that she prefers to paint from an aerial perspective, looking down on the country that she knows so well through her own experience and the stories of her father and grandfather.
The name of the painting – Ngurra – means “beloved country”, and by the end of the session all participants felt a newfound kinship with this land we all call home.
Following Allery’s discussion, participants enjoyed a morning tea, featuring gourmet Australian produce and bush tucker, such as wattle seed, bush tomato sauce, native basil, quandong chutney and desert lime provided by Gather Foods.
Bennett has acted for Yindjibarndi members and the Wirlu-murra Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation in their on-going disputes with the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC for over eight years and we value our unique relationship with them.
Ngurra is proudly showcased in our entrance.
A heartfelt thank you to Allery Sandy for sharing the meaningful story behind this stunning piece.
Here are some glimpses from our unveiling.
Martin Bennett - Founding Principal
Taleesha Elder - Senior Associate
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