ROVER THOMAS JOOLAMA - KILLAGURRA (DURBA GORGE)
ROVER THOMAS JOOLAMA (c.1926 – 1998)
KILLAGURRA (DURBA GORGE), 1996
63 x 83 cm (image); 70 x 100 cm (paper)serigraph
REGION
Kimberley, WA
PROVENANCE
Printer / Publisher: Rousel Screenprints, Sydney, NSW
Printer: Theo Tremblay (master printer)
Published by: Rousel Screenprints, in association with Narrangunny Art, Kununurra, WA
Narrangunny Arts, WA Cat No. 46/99
Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Narrangunny Art
STORY
Known as Killagurra, Durba Springs lies within the Durba Hills and Gorge area and is one of the most striking oases along the now-famous Canning Stock Route in central Western Australia. Adjacent to Well 17, this site is surrounded by white gums, desert oaks, and the date palms left behind by Afghan cameleers who once travelled the route. In the right season, the clear waterholes of the gorge come alive with small freshwater shrimp, a precious source of food for desert dwellers and a symbol of the life-giving spirit of this Country.
In this limited-edition serigraph, Thomas captures the essence of this sacred site through a pared-back yet powerful composition. Against a deep black background, a single yellow human footprint lies at the centre, with faint trackings leading toward it. A red ochre border edged with white dotting encloses the image, recalling the body painting and ceremonial designs of the Gija people. The footprint symbolises both physical presence and spiritual trace, a mark of journey, movement, and connection to Country.
As one of the countries most influential artists, Thomas redefined the visual language of East Kimberley painting. Rooted in Gija rock art and ceremonial design rather than the dot painting traditions of the desert, his work speaks of the enduring relationship between people and place. Killagurra, Durba Gorge stands as a quiet meditation on Country, memory, and the ancestral footprints that remain visible in both land and spirit.
ARTIST PROFILE
