Daniel Walbidi Kirriwirri, Great Sandy Desert

Kirriwirri is my grandfather’s and grandmother’s country, where they brought up all their children including my father. It is like their family home, their roots. Our clan is also named Kirriwirri.

Kirriwirri is a jila (living water) near Well 33 on the Canning Stock Route in the Great Sandy Desert. It is important to many other family and clan groups because it has water that never dries out even in the driest of seasons.

My painting reflects the complex desert landscape full of life and colour. It depicts salt lakes (the white areas) and the talis (sand hills).

I have never been to Kirriwirri but I have a deep desire to travel to this country and become connected to it.

- Daniel Walbidi