ABOUT THE ARTIST

Rover Joolama Thomas' distinctive style helped shape contemporary Aboriginal art. His paintings, deeply connected to traditional lore and culture, played a vital role in preserving the heritage of the Gija people while revolutionizing perceptions of Indigenous artistry. Rover Thomas grew up immersed in the traditions and knowledge of his ancestors. His art was influenced by the oral storytelling and mythology of his totemic ancestry. Through his paintings, he explored themes of cultural change, displacement, conflict with white settlers, and the resilience of his people.
He began painting later in life, with his artistic journey starting in 1980 after a vision inspired him to create paintings for the Krill Krill ceremony. His initial works were painted on wooden boards and were integral to the ceremony, featuring sacred symbols essential to its execution. Over time, his style developed into a distinctive representation of the landscape as both a physical place and a spiritual realm. His works, often portraying aerial, map-like perspectives adorned with symbolic imagery, reflected his deep connection to the land.

In the early years, Thomas sourced pigments directly from the land, resulting in richly textured, luminous finishes. However, these early works exhibited stability issues, as the pigments would often lift from the surface. This was later resolved with the introduction of water-soluble pigments, which improved adhesion and durability, allowing him to achieve the earthy ochre tones and matte finishes he desired. His artistic breakthrough occurred in the 1980s, when his paintings gained national and international recognition. His deceptively simple yet profoundly powerful works brought a modernist, abstract sensibility to Aboriginal art, reinterpreting the traditional storytelling techniques of the Kimberley region.