Jandamarra Cadd Uncle
This painting is about Ceremony and Men’s
Business, with the passing on of cultural and
spiritual practices from older generations to the
younger ones.
In our current mainstream society these rites of
passage for Men’s Business are usually seen as
predominantly from a Father to their Son.
However in Aboriginal culture, Uncles are also seen
as our fathers and treated as such. They were often
instrumental through their involvement in these
important rituals and ceremonies, and the
responsibility of raising these children as their own.
“Uncle” does not always refer to a traditional
biological relative, it can also be used for anyone in
our parents’ generation or an older respected man in
our community.
Our connection to the earth is incorporated into
the ceremonies by using various ochres applied to
the skin. This painting up is as important as the
dancing that followed - a deeply spiritual and sacred
experience that was rooted in thousands of
generations of sustainable wisdom.
Uncle is a part of Jandamarra’s touring
collection called "KINSHIP: A Culture of
Connection".
Through this collection Jandamarra touches on
and expresses the deeply complex and important
connections of kinship within Aboriginal culture.
He hopes to reach as many people as possible and
share his dream and passion for a united Australia,
where the beauty and value of Aboriginal culture is
viewed with equality and respect. Jandamarra says:
“Although this exhibition is about the kinship of
First Nations people - this is something that I
believe holds value for all people, as the universal
messages speak of what is truly important in our
lives. Relationships and interconnectedness
underpin our ways of thinking, relating and being...
kinship is about connection, harmony and
sustainability "
www.jandamarrasart.com