Lockhart River Art

Language: Kanthanapu

DOB: 24/04/1960

Irene Namok is the mother of renowned Lockhart River artist Rosella Namok; she is also an accomplished artist in her own right. She has participated in many successful solo and group exhibitions and most recently her work was exhibited in Puuya Kuntha (Strong Heart), at the Booker Lowe Gallery, Texas USA (2010). Irene's paintings are inspired by her close connection with local country; they are often emotional responses to the beautiful views and look-outs around Lockhart and her favourite fishing spots. Irene especially enjoys fishing during Salmon Season.

Artist Statement:  “I was born on Thursday Island and my grandfather was a church minister at the Old Site. I was going to get married by the man I was going to marry died.  I have got six kids. Four boys and two girls, but one of my girls died so now I only have one. I like to paint about my culture because it’s all I know. The old ones have taught me and show me everything.  My paintings are about my emotions. I paint about the bush fires and the water holes. I paint the lagoons because we like to swim in the lagoons. I also paint about meetings times and festivals times and meeting places. We dress the kids all up and paint them all and we sit together and we yarn around the fireplace under the moonlight.”

Irene’s work is available from: Emerge Art Space (Perth), Alcaston Art Gallery (Melbourne); KickArts Contemporary Gallery (Cairns);  Australian and Oceanic Art (Port Douglass); Booker Lowe Gallery (Houston, Texas)

The following works (clockwise) are:

“Them Frogs Keep Me Awake At Night In The Wet Season”, acrylic on linen; “Beautiful Summer Day”, acrylic on linen; “South Side of Chilli Beach View”, acrylic on canvas; “Clouds Breaking Through”, acrylic on linen.