CHRISTMAS AT OLD ROPER RIVER MISSION, 1995 - 96
GINGER RILEY MUNDUWALAWALA
synthetic polymer paint on cotton duck
129.0 x 257.5 cm
signed lower left: Ginger Riley
bears inscription verso: artist’s name and Alcaston Gallery cat. AK3306
The Anglican Diocese of the Northern Territory, Darwin, a gift from the artist in November 1996
This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Alcaston House Gallery which states:
‘In 1908 the Church of England Mission Society established a Mission Station on the Roper River in the Gulf of Carpentaria in the Northern Territory, which was known as the Roper River Mission. The Anglican Church was replaced by a government agency in 1968 and the community is now called Ngukurr, which means a place of many stones.
During 1995 Ginger Riley Munduwalawala was asked to paint a work to hang in the Anglican Christ Church Cathedral in Darwin. It was an initiative of the Very Reverend Michael Chiplin Dean of Darwin, the aim being to increase the general congregation’s awareness of the Aboriginal people in the parish.
After much discussion and thought, Ginger Riley painted his mother's country at Limmen Bight and his interpretation of the Anglican church set in the Limmen Bight country landscape. He called this painting Christmas at the old Roper River Mission.
The black painted up figures, who are sitting away from their campfires, tells the story of the Aboriginal people who did not convert to the Anglican faith, rather they continued to celebrate their spirituality in the traditional way. The large [structure] with the crucifix and Aboriginal people (not painted up) depicts those who embraced the Anglican faith.
The bottom left-hand side of this painting shows the abandoned empty [shelters] and campfires confirming that all the people had decided, old ways or new ways. However, the fires left burning could suggest that many people embraced Christianity whilst maintaining their traditional beliefs.
Ngak Ngak the white breasted sea eagle acting as sentinel, observes the country and all that is happening. The Limmen Bight River and the Four Arches, where the artist believes creation began, is an integral part of this work.
Whilst Ginger Riley Munduwalawala did not spend a great deal of time at Roper, the doctrine and especially the Christmas celebrations were fond memories, with lasting spiritual effects on his day-to-day life.
He often referred to his Church when speaking of the old days. He held deep spiritual beliefs tied up in his inherited responsibilities to his country which he expresses through his creative energy.’