Dora GriffithsMiriwoong, East Kimberley, Western Australia, Australia., b. 1971
Stealing My Dad, 2018
Natural ochre on canvas
100cm x 80cm
This painting tells the true story of 'the significant event of Dora's father, Mr Griffiths, being taken as a young boy by the Station Manager in accordance with the brutal...
This painting tells the true story of 'the significant event of Dora's father, Mr Griffiths, being taken as a young boy by the Station Manager in accordance with the brutal Native Welfare policies of the day. It was a life-changing event for her father who while tied to a tree was rescued in the middle of the night by his grandfather - an important cultural leader, disappearing into the bush for years'.
'During these formative years Dora's father gained his cultural knowledge. In the same painting style handed down to her by her father, she captures this event, highlighting key features such as the tree he was tied to, the river and hills they crossed over and escaped to. This work is a powerful comment on a shameful Australian government policy. 'Stealing My Dad' brought Dora a highly commendable award at the Kimberley Art Prize'.
'Mr. Griffiths, the traditional owner of Timber Creek in the Northern Territory, east of Kununurra, was a senior law boss, artist and performer; the keeper of traditional law, a custodian of song lines dating back tens of thousands of years and a recognised West Australian state treasure'.