Queenie McKenzie
Queenie McKenzie
Language group: Gija
Untitled 1994
earth pigments and natural
binder on canvas
Geelong Gallery
Gift of Jim Cousins AO and Libby Cousins
through the Australian Government’s
Cultural Gifts Program, 2018
© Queenie McKenzie/Copyright Agency, 2020
Queenie McKenzie’s approach to painting was distinctive for its lateral or profile view of the landscape. Her colourful and undulating compositions depict the rugged hills of her home Country at Texas Downs Station, East Kimberley and Warmun in Western Australia, where she lived in her later years. McKenzie’s works include multiple locations, drawing audiences into a dynamic visual history of her life. The underlying narratives of her works pertain to her feeling for, and knowledge of, sacred lands. Her paintings depict specific geographical landmarks prompting an appreciation of her physical and spiritual connection to the landscape.
Ochre is the name given to a family of natural earth pigments which Queenie McKenzie uses as a painting medium in her artwork. Learn how these pigments are derived from crushing or grinding rock and clay and adding water.