Dibirdibi Country 2011

Sally Gabori made Dibirdibi Country with paint, at an unknown date. What strikes me is how the thick brushstrokes become like these tactile records of each moment, each decision made while painting. It's like she's building the land right in front of us. Looking closely, the red and white paint is laid on so thick, and you can almost feel the texture of the canvas beneath. See how the strokes aren't blended much, if at all? Each one stands alone, but together, they create this vibrant landscape. The purple gives the piece a real weight, grounding the reds and whites. I think that one singular dash of black at the top anchors the composition. It's almost like the painting is breathing. This work reminds me of Joan Mitchell, but Gabori’s colors are more visceral. Art, you know, it's this ongoing conversation, people responding to each other across time. And for me, this piece is all about process, memory, and how we make sense of the world through color and touch. It leaves you wondering, what does this country mean to Gabori? What secrets does it hold? And that’s what makes it so compelling, this ambiguity.