- 77
JARINYANU DAVID DOWNS
Estimate
18,000 - 25,000 AUD
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Description
- Jarinyanu David Downs
- DANCE OF KURTAL
- Signed 'David Downs Jorijjonu' (sic) and bears title on label on the reverse
- Natural earth pigments and synthetic binders on linen
- 228 by 136.5 cm
Provenance
Commissioned by Duncan Kentish in 1988
Bonython Meadmore Gallery, Sydney
The Robert Holmes a Court Collection, Western Australia (label on stretcher on the reverse)
Private collection
Bonython Meadmore Gallery, Sydney
The Robert Holmes a Court Collection, Western Australia (label on stretcher on the reverse)
Private collection
Exhibited
Jarinyanu David Downs, Bonython Meadmore Gallery, Sydney, 18 August - 13 September 1988, cat.22, illus. front cover
Condition
The painting is in excellent condition. There are minor scuff marks in the corners and along the lower left edge. The illustration in the catalogue has been cropped by approximately 5mm at the top and 10mm at the bottom, the latter showing only the reddish ochre background colour.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
The original accompanying documentation read in part:
'Kurtal is a Storm Being from the Ngarangarni - the Walmajarri word for the Dreaming...When Kurtal entered Jarinyanu's country he was nearing the end of his journey...Before a gathering of people from this area, Kurtal danced his final dance, metamorphosed into a snake, and sank into the earth where he remains today in a permanent rock-hole spring. This spring supplied a reliable supply of water in all seasons, but in addition the old man would perform rituals at this site during the hot weather season to make Kurtal bring rain...He is held to be responsible for and present within those particularly dramatic storms that usher in the break of the rainy season...(Dance of Kurtal) reveals Kurtal generating storms, with his arms and head enveloped in a cloud streaked with lightning and dust. A vertical snake motif suggests Kurtal's face is simultaneously the head of a snake, prefiguring his approaching metamorphosis. A band of cloud at his waist divides earth from sky. The lower section shows a grouping of women and girls and young boys. The women wear a vertical-striped body paint while the boys are painted with a snake motif.' (Kentish, D., Jarinyanu David Downs, exhibition catalogue, Sydney, 1988)
'Kurtal is a Storm Being from the Ngarangarni - the Walmajarri word for the Dreaming...When Kurtal entered Jarinyanu's country he was nearing the end of his journey...Before a gathering of people from this area, Kurtal danced his final dance, metamorphosed into a snake, and sank into the earth where he remains today in a permanent rock-hole spring. This spring supplied a reliable supply of water in all seasons, but in addition the old man would perform rituals at this site during the hot weather season to make Kurtal bring rain...He is held to be responsible for and present within those particularly dramatic storms that usher in the break of the rainy season...(Dance of Kurtal) reveals Kurtal generating storms, with his arms and head enveloped in a cloud streaked with lightning and dust. A vertical snake motif suggests Kurtal's face is simultaneously the head of a snake, prefiguring his approaching metamorphosis. A band of cloud at his waist divides earth from sky. The lower section shows a grouping of women and girls and young boys. The women wear a vertical-striped body paint while the boys are painted with a snake motif.' (Kentish, D., Jarinyanu David Downs, exhibition catalogue, Sydney, 1988)