My Country 2011

This vibrant painting, My Country, was created by Sally Gabori, an Indigenous Australian artist from Bentinck Island. Gabori began painting in her late 70s and her works often depict the landscapes and stories of her homeland, which faced significant disruption due to colonization and forced displacement. Looking at this painting, we see bold blocks of colour: blues, yellows, and oranges that create a sense of place. For Gabori and her people, land is inextricably linked to identity, spirituality, and survival. The painting is titled "My Country" and embodies a profound connection to place. "I paint the places" she once said, "This is my home, this is my land, this is all I paint." The emotional impact of Gabori’s work stems from this deep sense of belonging and the pain of displacement, offering a powerful statement about cultural resilience and the enduring significance of land for Indigenous communities.