Yulara: Maruku Dot Painting

Good thing we planned today as an easy day!

I was feeling a little lightheaded when I woke up … sort of the way I do when I am about to have a bout of BPPV. No idea what brought it on, but an easy day was in order. After our 8+ mile walk yesterday, Mui was willing to take it easy, too. By noon, I was feeling back to my old self and Mui was ready for his afternoon activity.

A little after 1:30p, we set off for the Town Center where Mui was scheduled for the Maruku dot painting class. He later told me that he enjoyed the session … but it was more like a presentation on Aboriginal symbology used in their art than a painting class.

There were 15 participants in the session, which was held under the trees in the park at the Town Center. An Anungu named Tina, assisted by a translator, was the presenter/instructor. She used a patch of red dirt to draw figures and explain the meaning of each. The participants were then asked to paint a story of their own. Mui decided to interpret Tina’s own painting. Unfortunately, they weren’t given enough time for him to complete his painting to his satisfaction. He’s going to try again when we get home. In the meantime, he said it was a fun and educational activity.

While Mui was painting, I went to GoCA … the Gallery of Central Australia. There were some really lovely pieces. Unfortunately, as I expected the case would be, photography wasn’t allowed.

On my way back to the apartment, I stopped at the movie theater where a short-documentary named “Reaching for the Cosmos” was being screened. Interesting … and I learned that Australia is at the forefront of radio astronomy.Read more