Sacred Waterhole with Dreamtime Figures and Birds
Painting on canvas or board, presented in a wooden frame. • Sally Harrison
Style & Movement
Contemporary Indigenous Australian Art, influenced by Western Desert dot painting and figurative Dreamtime narratives.
Medium & Technique
Acrylic on canvas/board; executed using dot painting (pointillism), typical of Contemporary Aboriginal Australian art, with layered application to create texture and depth.
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st century (c. 1990-2015).
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 40 x 40 cm (16 x 16 inches); Square format.
Subject Description
The composition depicts a spiritual landscape featuring two silhouetted Indigenous figures (possibly ancestral spirits or Mimi spirits), large eucalyptus-style trees, and two Scarlet Robins in flight. A central swirling waterhole serves as the focal point, symbolizing life and creation. The use of dots creates a vibrant energy field throughout the sky and land.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the paint appears vibrant with no visible signs of cracking, fading, or mechanical damage from the provided image.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$600 - $1,200 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a gallery specializing in Indigenous Australian art or directly from the artist via a community art center. Bearing the signature 'Sally Harrison' in the lower right.
Art Historical Significance
Representational of the 'Second Generation' of Indigenous artists who blended traditional dotting techniques with more representational, figurative imagery. Sally Harrison's work often explores themes of identity, ancestral connection to land, and the intersection of dual cultures.
Notable Features
Distinctive white dot-work outlining the dark silhouettes of the figures, creating a 'glow' effect. The artist's signature is clearly legible in white script in the lower-right corner.
Condition Issues
None visible; potential for minor UV fading if exposed to direct sunlight over time, though not apparent here.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a climate-controlled environment with stable humidity; protect with UV-filtering glass or acrylic if displayed in bright areas. Dust the frame with a non-abrasive microfiber cloth.