“Gol Gol” 2008 pays homage to the arid landscapes of Southeast New South Wales bordering Northern Victoria. This area has been the focus of my work for the past fifteen years, culminating in a recent residency on the banks of the River Murray in the town of Gol Gol NSW.

Gol Gol (Barkinji for meeting place) is the name given to one of the oldest stations in the Willandra Lakes region, and subsequently to the earliest layer of red and pink sediment below Lake Mungo.

The attached C19th map, Howitt’s S. E. Australia includes Aboriginal country names and the positions of the then relatively new Murray and Darling rivers.  These great rivers have since changed course, redefined borders and periodically dried up, leaving traces of remnant vegetation, whilst carving out new pathways to the sea.  And when all place names are deleted, all that remains is topography.

 

"Gol Gol" diptych based on highlighted area