Jeannette Oliver of Kukuyallanji Arts Artist Statement
In 1989 I had the experience of visiting my Great grandmother's country, Maytown/Laura, Queensland. My Great grandfather's country is Kukuyallanji Daintree, Queensland. I had a spiritual journey while visiting the hundreds of cave paintings at Laura. My ancestors visit me unexpectedly in dreams. They show what messages they like to say through their ancient art. The messages are not through stories or words but is to be felt by the human spirit. Since this experience, I have mainly focused on paintings of my heritage. In a world that is rapidly changing, I would like to contribute to preserving this part of my heritage to assist the Kukuyallanji (Western Yalanji) people (and my extended relatives there). There are many cave paintings displaying the beginning of colonization in Australia; and the introduction of the horse to this land.