Priceless Aboriginal Rock Art in Laura

I recently read an article about a five year old child who was opening an art exhibition in New York. Apparently her artwork is ‘abstract expressionist and surrealist’ and people pay thousands of dollars to own her pieces. Good on her and her parents but it does make me wonder about how art is presented and perceived. 

I first visited the Split Rock Aboriginal rock art gallery just outside Laura on a self guided walk. This is incredibly beautiful country and the simplistic paintings seemed to blend seamlessly into the sandstone escarpment. There are information plaques indicating what I was looking at but I was somewhat mystified as to why the extensive collection of Quinkan rock art galleries around Laura have been hailed as among the top ten most significant rock art sites in the world by UNESCO. Admittedly the artists would not have had an extensive selection of painting materials and tools many thousands of years ago but the images were just not speaking to me.

Recognising that perhaps I verge on the side of the philistine where art is concerned it was recommended that I stop being a cheapskate and pay for a guided tour of the Quinkan rock art galleries, then I would enhance my appreciation of the rock art. Fair point as it turned out.
I booked a guided tour of the Mushroom Rock Gallery and the Giant Horse Gallery from the Quinkan Regional and Cultural Centre in Laura and the experience could not be more different from my self guided look at Split Rock. Without an understanding of the relationship between the images, the country, the flora and fauna, the people and the spirits it is impossible to relate to what you are looking at. Listening to your guide explaining the storylines behind the images in the jaw droppingly stunning surroundings of the Giant Horse Gallery was an extremely enlightening experience and I finally ‘got’ why this artwork is so special.
The images had found their voice.

So I would urge anyone visiting Laura to make your first stop the Quinkan and Regional Cultural Centre to gain an insight into Aboriginal Culture, then book one of several tours to the nearby rock art galleries – without the guides the whole experience is completely diminished. In fact with my new found appreciation of art I may even now elevate myself above the level of the philistine.
However I still wouldn’t pay fifteen grand for a scribble by a five year old.
Contact the Quinkan Regional and Cultural Centre for more info on 07 4060 3457

www.quinkancc.com.au
 
For more info - www.cooktownandcapeyork.com/do/history/aboriginal-rock-art