Grass Trees Near Nataria

This artwork is a part of Amanda Hinkelmann's exhibition 'A Diary, a Long Drive and a Devon Sandwich'

Original artwork by Amanda Hinkelmann

We drove from Mparntwe to Watarrka (Alice Springs to Kings Canyon) and stayed for a few days at Kings Creek Station. We met with wild dingoes, a baby camel and the odd snake and lizard. We showered in the early hours of the morning with the bull ants nipping at our toes and left for a sunrise hike at Kings Canyon. Truly a sight to see. From here, we travelled through the Mereenie Loop and over to Ntaria (Hermannsburg). We wound high up onto the ranges and back down into the gullies. We crossed dry riverbeds, we waved to locals. We noticed the history, visited the mission, and saw the home of Albert Namatjira. We drove through what was a very green area full of grass trees (Black Boys). Ordinarily, I imagine it is quite dry, but with recent rains the land was putting on a spectacular show. Stretching for kilometre upon kilometre, the black boys stood tall, reaching toward the sky. The feelings conjured up, were that of ancestors standing tall and proud on the land. Land that for so long they had cared for. This artwork reflects the grass trees from above, clustered together, standing tall and proud.

Acrylic on canvas