Dianne Tchumut

Dianne Tchumut is a proud Marrithiel woman from the Litchfield and Reynolds area of the Northern Territory, where her cultural connection to the land is profound. Her Dreaming is Fire.

Dianne's artistic journey began in the early 1990s, when she explored religious themes through her unique lens as an Aboriginal Australian. Her innovative interpretations of biblical history quickly garnered attention from international scholars, highlighting the richness of her perspective and the depth of her cultural heritage.

In 2005, while working at Merrepen Arts in the Daly River Community, Dianne received a prestigious honor when one of her works was selected for a GBP1.12 postal stamp, marking a significant milestone in her career. Two years later, she graduated from the Batchelor Institute with a Certificate in Visual Arts and Contemporary Craft, with her artwork featured on the graduation ceremony booklet, a testament to her talent and dedication.

In recent years, Dianne has actively participated in The Bulgul Collective, an informal group of family and friends from the Bulgul Community and surrounding regions in the Top End. For Dianne and many of the artists in the Collective, artistic expression is a vital means of preserving and sharing culture and stories with the next generation.

Dianne's art encompasses a diverse range of subjects, particularly focusing on Barramundi Season, known as Atyalmerr, and themes deeply rooted in her culture and environment. She expresses her stories primarily in monochromatic tones, soft pastels, and neutrals, creating a distinctive aesthetic that invites viewers to engage with her narratives.

Her Barramundi Season artworks capture the annual cycle of fishing after the wet season, marked by the emergence of dragonflies on the rivers-a sign that the fish are plentiful. Intriguingly, while her paintings are rich in detail, the barramundi itself is never depicted. Instead, viewers discover intricate representations of dragonflies, the surrounding vegetation, and the micro-details of the landscape, such as the cracked earth as billabongs dry.

In recent years, Dianne has gained further recognition, being a finalist in multiple prestigious art awards. 2022 was a remarkable year for Dianne, winning both the Margaret Olley Commendation Award at the prestigious Mosman Art Prize, as well as winning the First Nations Art Prize at the National Capital Art Prize.

Her narratives are constantly evolving, embodying both her personal experiences and the collective story of her community. Dianne Tchumut's art serves as a powerful bridge, connecting her cultural heritage with contemporary audiences.

Copyright Kate Owen Gallery, September 2024