Born in 1971, the artist spent the first four years of his life on Lissadell stationin the Gija Country of his father’s family, before moving to Halls Creek. When he was thirteen his father died, prompting his Mother to move to Broome. Claude chose instead to live with relatives at Wangkatjungka community, closer to Gooniyandi country where he also has strong traditional connections. His working life started shortly after, mustering and fencing on Kurpartiya (Bohemia Downs station). He has remained in his area ever since. Eleven years ago he was granted an excision of Bohemia Downs, at a place known as Bawoorooga, where he has established a home for his extended family. Claude is deeply committed to the maintenance of his culture, and whilst still relatively young, is regarded as a leader in his community. An initiated man, he has placed great importance on acquiring traditional knowledge from his older relatives. Claude’s interest in art developed as a result of watching his wife paint, when he formed strong mental images of how he could represent his own country on canvas. He started painting in 2005 with Mangkaja Art Centre at Fitzroy Crossing. His two principal themes are Goonboorroo, a waterhole of deep cultural significance for Gooniyandi people and Claude’s family in particular, and Minmingalla, his grandmother’s birthplace. In 2009 he began painting only using natural earth ochres. His work is strongly conceptual, and intimately concerned with a semiotics of place. The painterly concern and the way he applies ochre to canvas reveals the care and respect he holds for his subject. The graphic quality of hid fluid and geometric lines, and unusual pigment blends contribute to Claude Carter’s truly unique style.
Commissions:
2010 New Aquatic Centre, Fitzroy Crossing
2008 New School, Fitzroy Crossing
2008 Traditional Artefacts, Nicole Kidman
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