Bariya Yulu – The Whale’s Journey

This painting tells the sacred story of Bariya, the Humpback Whale, a powerful Ancestor spirit who follows the ancient Humpback Highway—a songline running along the eastern coastline of Australia. Her journey represents seasonal migration, deep cultural connection, and the enduring voice of Country.
Painted in rich ochres, deep blues, and vibrant dot and line work, Bariya’s form is alive with energy and movement. Her body carries markings of earth and ocean, symbolising both the physical world and the spiritual song she sings beneath the sea. Flowing patterns trace her path, connecting her with the spirits of the reef, the corals, and the creatures of saltwater Country.
Alongside Bariya swims Guruman the Sea Turtle, a guide and protector who shares stories from the reef. Butterflies dance above the waters, acting as messengers between land and sea, while plants and sea forms bloom below, thriving in the wake of her song. Concentric circles and dot clusters represent waterholes, coral blooms, and the ripple effect of songlines spreading through time.
This artwork is a celebration of the sacred relationships between whale, water, and people, reminding us to honour the migration, protect the ocean, and listen deeply to the stories sung by Country.

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Artist Statement
I was born in Cunnamulla, a small town in southwestern Queensland, on the edge of Barunggam Country. My yumba—my traditional home—is the land of the Barunggam people, who, for thousands of years, have walked gently on this Country as part of the Wakka Wakka language group. Our connection to the Darling Downs runs deep, shared with neighbouring clans like the Keinjan, Giabal, Jarowair, Bigambal, Kambuwal, and Jagara—each with their own sacred stories, songs, and traditions.

As an Aboriginal artist, my work is more than a visual experience—it is a spiritual practice, a cultural responsibility, and a personal journey. My inspiration comes from the land, from our Dreaming, and from the teachings of my wise grandad. Through him, I learned that painting is not about aesthetics—it’s about storytelling. Every line, every dot, every colour carries emotion, memory, and meaning.

I do not paint to follow trends or fit into boxes. I paint from feeling and truth. My art is a language—spoken through ochre tones, deep blues, and patterns shaped by the rhythm of Country. It is how I honour my ancestors, how I keep our stories alive, and how I share our culture with the world.

Each piece I create is a declaration:
This is who I am. This is where I come from. This is my story.

Through my work, I hope to offer a glimpse into the soul of Barunggam Country, to connect others with the strength, beauty, and resilience of Aboriginal culture. My art is a tribute to the generations who walked before me—and a message to the generations still to come.