Dibirdibi Country 2011

Editor: This is "Dibirdibi Country" by Sally Gabori, created in 2011 using acrylic on canvas. The vibrant blocks of colour are so striking. It feels almost map-like, but what do you see in it? Curator: You know, it tickles my fancy, that it reads almost like a map to you, since it reminds me of when I used to spread jam on toast as a kid - these big, luscious splodges, not really going anywhere but somehow *just* where they need to be. What I love most about Gabori's work is her unapologetic embrace of colour and her direct connection to her homeland. There's a sense of raw immediacy in her brushstrokes that completely grabs you. Do you find the painting feels grounded in a particular place or emotion? Editor: It definitely feels grounded! It evokes warmth, almost like sunlight on earth. Is that link to her homeland a recurring theme? Curator: Absolutely! Gabori began painting later in life, really capturing the essence of Bentinck Island, her birthplace. And to think that it's memory, layered with culture, with emotion, that's driving the brush. Look at that bold yellow! It almost vibrates with energy, doesn't it? Knowing a little bit about her story makes me view each colour, each brushstroke as part of a deeper narrative of place and belonging. Editor: It’s amazing how much context can shift your perspective. It went from colourful abstraction to something deeply personal and geographical! Curator: Exactly! It goes to show how even abstract forms can be vessels for profound storytelling. Editor: I'll never look at jam the same way again.