This image represents the Bali Bali Balga dance. The traditional dance is an important part of cultural life and is still practiced and performed in the Kimberley. We dance to feel and understand and embody the story and the message from our old people. The dancers carry these woven objects called balmarra on their shoulders, above their heads. The dancers move with stamping feet and swaying body movements in rhythm with the singing and clapping of the boomerangs. Each balmarra has an important order in the song cycle as they represent different stars, constellations, places, spirits and ancestors. The order follows the night sky, as the night to progresses to day.
About the artist:
Boorgaga (Chris Griffiths) was born in Goonoonoorrang /Kununurra. His tribal groups consist of his mother’s clan Miriwoong and his father’s clan Ngaliwurru-Wuli in the Timber Creek region in the NT. His namesake comes from his father’s clan and it represents the junction of two rivers and the meeting ground of two clans. This place is situated on the upper Kwirrikurrkurna /Wickham River.
Boorgaga is a traditional law man and dancer and has recently taken up the role as song man for his mother’s clan. He has also taken up painting to continue on the legacy of his father the late A. Griffiths. He has worked at the Waringarri Aboriginal Art Centre in different roles since 2002 and is currently the Lead Tour Guide and Cultural Advisor. His first job was for Waringarri Radio – as a Radio Journalist and Presenter (1992-96). He is a Bradshaw Company Director and Cultural Consultant (2006 - current). He was the coordinator of the Strong Men's Program in Kununurra (2017 – 2020).
'The art centre is a place for me to learn and engage more with - the stories, the songs and the dances that the old people have been handing down. The art centre is a place for all of us to share and engage with our cultural stories, history and knowledge of our people. It’s a school that my elders established to learn and maintain their cultural values.'