William King Jungala | '5 Elements, 2004' | 5x21x150cm

Code: DDWK04200

Artist: William King Jungala

Title: 5 Elements

Area: Katherine, NT

Community: Gurindji

Medium: Acrylic On Linen

Size: 5x21x150cm

Year: 2004

William King Jungala's 5 Elements is a set of five tall panels, and each panel depicts one of the ancient elements of the Australian environment: Fire, Water, Earth, Bush and Cloud. William believed humans share a genetic memory, or at least a common emotional experience, that links us with our ancestors. We feel that bond most strongly in the presence of the elements that have shaped our survival and our lives.

Fire is inspired by the dance of flames and captures the bright, warm colours of fire. When we look into the depths of a fire we often fall into a trance-like state, reminded of the security it gives and sharing our ancestors' bond with this source of life. In Aboriginal life fire cooks food, helps in making some weapons, and is still used in seasonal burn-offs to regenerate country.

Water is inspired by the deep blue waters of the ocean and captures the mesmerising movement of the sea as it rises and falls. Faced with the endless ocean, we are reminded of how much our day-to-day survival depends on water.

Earth is inspired by the vast variety of soils that make up the Australian landscape and captures the richness of endless horizons, mountain valleys and great gorges. Through our connection with Mother Earth we feel a common bond with all living things and a sense of belonging.

Bush is inspired by green valleys of trees and more trees and captures the variety of bushland across the Australian landscape. Most people feel an innate comfort and connection when they are out in the bush. Its simplicity and peacefulness comfort them and often bring clarity of mind.

Cloud is inspired by the water-filled rain clouds of Australia and captures the rich, strong greys of the clouds that fill the horizon in the northern wet season. For people living a nomadic life, rain clouds were dramatic signs that change was on the way.

William King Jungala (1966–2007) was born in Katherine, Northern Territory, a proud member of the Gurindji people, whose skin name was Jungala. His deep cultural grounding came from early childhood spent with his father, of the Waanyi people, and his grandfather, a well-travelled Gurindji desert elder who passed down the stories and knowledge of Country that would shape his worldview and his art. At eighteen he moved to Adelaide and completed an apprenticeship in carpentry, but his true passion remained painting, and by 1994 he had committed to it fully. He developed a distinctive style blending traditional Aboriginal symbolism with a contemporary, urban aesthetic, and his characteristic use of circular motion expressed his belief that nothing has a beginning or an end, a visual statement of the interconnectedness of life, nature and time. His work drew heavily on his connection to land and culture, often working through fire, air, earth and water, symbolic of the harmony his people sought with natural forces. His work was selected for exhibition at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria in British Columbia in 2004, and he exhibited widely across Australia with works collected internationally. His paintings continue to resonate for their depth, detail and spiritual intensity.