.

Spirit of Yingarna

Works from Aboriginal Australia

 by Jonathan Bock 

August 17th through 20th 2006 

at the Jammin' Tree Didgeridoo Festival

For Exhibit Information call 559-683-5551

For Festival Information visit…

http://www.jtdidgefest.com

          "Spirit of Yingarna” presents a body of work that combines Australian Aboriginal cave painting with modern computer art techniques. Each image is a reflection of the artist’s understanding of the characters, myths, and legends of the Aboriginal people of Australia’s Northern Territory. Yingarna is the Australian Aboriginal “Earth Mother” responsible for seeding the world with people, and providing them with the good things of the earth.  She is typically portrayed as either the dragon-like “Rainbow Serpent” or as a moth-like being festooned with traditional woven carrying baskets known as “Dilly Bags”.

          Aboriginal Rock Art dates back more than 20,000 years.  Early Aboriginal art was painted in caves, rock shelters, and on cliff faces using natural ochre pigments.  The earliest images portray thin, rusty red figures engaged in battle or the hunt. Gradually, the themes portrayed grew to include scenes of everyday life, characters from myths and legends, and depictions of important tribal events. New paintings were often painted on top of older ones, resulting in impressive galleries filled with dense, overlapping montages of animals, figures, and clan symbols. 

          With no written language, Aboriginal cultures maintain their customs, myths, and legends through ceremony and verbal tradition.  Important stories are memorized and retold by each new generation.  Storytelling ceremonies include chant, body painting, and traditional music.  The Jammin’ Tree Didgeridoo Festival creates the perfect accompaniment for Bock’s work.  The festival celebrates traditional Australian music, and its fusion with modern music. When brought together, music and art transform and enhance each other, and celebrate the power of the timeless traditions that hold Australian Aboriginal cultures together.

          The 7th annual JT Didgefest is an International gathering of the didgeridoo community. Didgeridoo players and performers, hand drummers, and anyone interested in indigenous music from around the world are encouraged to attend. Concerts, lessons, and workshops are scheduled throughout all the days. Vendors will also be on hand offering some of the best instruments and handcrafted wares available.  Visit http://www.jtdidgefest.com for festival ticket pricing and general information.  Visitors who present a “Spirit of Yingarna” invitation post card at the festival gate receive a 50% discount on festival entrance fees!