Luke Barrowcliffe
‘Spirit Dancer’
Spirit Dancer is a tribute to the extraordinary innate purpose of Aboriginal dance: from the depiction of historical events to our genesis stories, mimicking the mannerisms of our native animals, and the spirituality of lore and ceremony. This piece looks to not only capture and portray this, but more so present the unseen intangible aspects of traditional performance and that is connection created to the old people and the spirits. These elements are demonstrated with the use of the orbs and bark fingerprint in the background. And of course, the ochre body paint designs all have meaning as well: either to the individual, their clan, their nation, the place of ceremony. Every aspect is related and interconnected with our Mother and the spiritual realm.
Medium: Framed composite photography
Size: 100cm x 60cm
Price: $2500
Luke Barrowcliffe
‘Poached’
Poached is a representation of what's left of a turtle after is has been illegally slaughtered. Turtle and dugong poaching is still occurring across our regions and the meat is sold on the black market all through out Queensland. This artwork is designed to raise awareness of this secret activity and start a broader discussion which will hopefully change people's perspective on the harvesting of these animals for commercial gain, not cultural purposes.
Medium: Timber and epoxy resin
Size: 70cm x 50cm
Price: $5500.00
Luke Barrowcliffe
Luke Barrowcliffe is a Butchulla man and founder of Goorie Vision. Butchulla country including the iconic K’gari (Fraser Island) and her surrounding mainland, in the Wide Bay region of eastern Queensland. Luke was taught Butchulla history, culture and traditions since he was young by the late Aunty Olga Miller, the last Turramun Uwuy (Wise Women) and Caboonya (keeper of records) of their people. This assigned cultural responsibility has afforded him the opportunity to be a representative spokesperson for his people on many occasions over the years. As an artist and photographer, Luke is inspired by his ancestors, culture, and traditional homeland. He has exhibited in numerous exhibitions across Queensland over the years, most recently: Tall Trees Exhibition – Noosa Shire (2020); Butter Factory Arts Centre Cooroy NAIDOC Exhibition/s (2019/2020/2021); and Connexion - Gympie Regional Gallery (2016). Luke has broadened his art repertoire to now include making traditional implements made from local timbers, then utilising pyrography to inscribe traditional storytelling and iconography. Although only just starting to create artwork with wood, he is excited about the potential of the medium to keep culture and traditional stories alive, as well impact contemporary and political statements.