New Crimson Soakage by Lena Pwerle

Painted with Matisse's Napthol Crimson, Burnt Umber and Titanium White, Crimson Soakage represents Lena's Soakage Dreaming - where soakages (waterholes) are found beneath the desert floor. 

The blending of burnt umber - a classic brown, and crimson red - a romantic, blue-based red, provokes an arcane sense of rhythm and adventure; as if we're watching the land change at sundown, where the deep, rich desert colours intermingle and play with the shadows.

Lena says that many of the soakages are all dried and used up now but had plenty of water in them long ago, even when she was growing up. They provided her people with a much needed water supply.

With their intimate knowledge of the land, Lena’s people knew how and where to find them in the harsh desert environment.

“Long time [ago] olden time mob get their little coolamon (bowl), they check them [soakages] – proper good one water! They been find ‘em under the ground. My grandmother taught me where to find ‘em. They dry now, they finish. They [my people] drink bore water now” - Lena Pwerle

The painting measures 120cm x 90cm, painted with Matisse acrylics on Belgian linen. 

View Painting

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