Dibirdibi Country 2012

This is Sally Gabori’s ‘Dibirdibi Country.’ The Bentinck Island-based artist began painting in her late 70s, and her works offer us views into her cultural life. Gabori was part of the Kaiadilt people, who faced displacement and assimilation policies from the Australian government. In the face of such cultural erasure, Gabori’s paintings become powerful acts of remembrance, resistance, and self-expression. Her vibrant and energetic brushstrokes create landscapes of her homeland, evoking a sense of place and belonging. As Gabori once said, "I paint my country, places, this is how I see it, that's why I paint." The emotional resonance of ‘Dibirdibi Country’ is palpable, inviting viewers to connect with Gabori’s memories and experiences. It acts as a testament to the endurance, and the power of art to preserve and celebrate cultural identities.