Artist: Catherine Mabiala
Mediums: Acrylic on canvas
Dimension: 30.5cm x 30.5cm x 1cm
Artist Statement:
Passage Through Country
This painting is inspired by the dramatic landscapes of the Northern Territory, where land, water and sky meet in powerful and unexpected ways. The composition focuses on the moment where two rugged landforms open to reveal a passage of light and water between them. The textured surfaces and layered colours reflect the raw, weathered qualities of the Top End environment: the warm ochres of the earth, sparse vegetation and the expansive blues of sky and water.
Through expressive mark-making and built-up layers of paint, I aimed to capture not only the physical presence of the landscape but also the feeling of standing within it. The narrow opening between the cliffs suggests movement, transition and the idea of travelling through country, where space, light and landforms guide the viewer’s eye deeper into the scene.
Living and teaching in the Northern Territory has shaped my artistic practice in profound ways. As an art educator, I am continually inspired by the landscapes that surround my community. This work reflects an ongoing exploration of place, observation and the relationship between environment and artistic expression.
