Ruminyeri

Ruminyeri

This piece is a deeply personal reflection of my unwavering passion for our ruminyeri (language). It represents not just the words, but the connection to our ancestors, their stories, and their knowledge, so much of which has been tragically lost to time but I hold on to the hope that through continued learning, we can revive and strengthen what remains.

Though I still have much to learn, and always will, I am committed to this journey, not just for myself, but for my son. It is my deepest wish that he grows up surrounded by the richness of our culture, with our ruminyeri at its heart. Language, to me, is not just a tool of communication; it is a lifeline to our ancestors, to our identity, and to the land itself.

In this painting, you can see a visual story unfold. Starting in the bottom right corner, there are symbolic depictions of our ancestors, their spirits grounding the piece. Their wisdom and knowledge flow upwards, signifying the inheritance of knowledge through generations. This knowledge has been passed onto our elders, who then pass it onto us. The white dots that lead to the campsites symbolize the pathways of this knowledge as it moves through our people, connecting past and present.

In creating this piece, I hope to inspire not only myself but others to reconnect with and honor the language of our ancestors, for it is through language that our stories live on.

Acrylic on Canvas

Sealed with Matisse Polymer Satin Varnish

50x50cm

Certificate of authenticity and full story on the back of the canvas