Agnes Kohler (nee Goongarra) - My Mother's Country (104-19)

Artist: Agnes Kohler (nee Goongarra) 

Title:  My Mother's Country

Cat No: 104-19

Size: 60 x 65 cm 

Acrylic on Canvas

Story:

"My Mother's Country is on the back of Main Base at Bentinck Island - where the sun rise. It's called Kalturi, she was born there that's why her name is Kalturingathi which means born from Kalturi."

Biography

Agnes Kohler
(nee Goongarra)

Born: 1952
Origin: Dulkawalne - Bentinck Island
Language: Kayardild

"I was born soon after my people crossed over to Mornington Island. In those days the Lardil mob foster or adopt us as their family. The Jacobs adopted me and my sister Gay. In the 60s I was sent out to work in the mainland. I worked at Julia Creek. As I raised my family, I also adopted a few more children. Now I am surrounded by my family.

"I use to muck around scribbling, drawing little houses with my kids. My children tell me to join the old people here at the Art Centre, save me from worrying, take my mind off things. It's also good to be along side family members at the Art Centre working, creating and learning together."