Oceania, Australia, probably western Arnhem Land, ca. mid to late 20th century CE. An incredible sheet of eucalyptus bark incised and painted using natural pigments to form a fantastical fish, a barramundi, its body composed of dramatic lines, curves, and dots of color within a very thin black outline that is then surrounded by a white outline. Red and ocher yellow details combine to make this incredibly colorful, visually exciting piece of art about an animal important to the cosmology of the area. The barramundi plays a major role in Dreamtime stories. This painting was done in the traditional style of West Arnhem Land, which is part of the oldest continuous tradition of painting (from rock art to bark) known in the world. The colors are created from the ocher that is naturally occurring in the region. Size: 17.75" W x 37.45" H (45.1 cm x 95.1 cm)

Provenance: private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection

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#131153

Light wear around edges. Pigment is in excellent condition.