Artist

Julie Dowling

Location

Perth

Language Groups

Badimay, Yamatji, Noongar

• Artwork
• Zoom
• Videos

Julie Dowling
Badimay/Yamatji born 1969
Ruby 1930-1940 2001
from the Federation Series: 1901-2001 Julie Dowling 2001
synthetic polymer paint, red ochre and plastic on canvass
60.6 x 50.6 cm
Purchased through the NGV Foundation with the assistance of Rupert Myer, Fellow, 2001
2001.538.1-10
© Julie Dowling/Licensed by VISCOPY, Australia

"This shows my great auntie, Ruby Oliver during the Depression. Ruby Oliver was married to my great grandmother's half brother, John Oliver, who was a wudjula (white) man.

Ruby could speak Badimay language fluently as did my great grandmother. They were close friends until my great grandmother's death.

During the Great Depression, many Aboriginal woman had their children taken and were placed in missions and reserves for their 'protection'. I wanted to paint her picture because our family have lost contact with her and this part of our family because of those policies."
Julie Dowling