Gunnai artist Ray Thomas at the Gunnai Ukan (Mother) Stories launch.
Image: Jon Augier
Source: Museum Victoria
The latest Birrarung exhibition in Bunjilaka was officially opened on Friday 10 February.
An exhibition of stunning paintings by Gunnai artist Ray Thomas, Gunnai Yukan (Mother) Stories includes recent works largely inspired by his mother's early childhood memories.
Many of the paintings are linked to stories of family life at the Aboriginal community of Lake Tyers, as well as highlighting Gippsland places significant to the artist, such as Whale Rock (Yiruk in the Gunnai language) at Wilson’s Promontory.
Considered one of Victoria’s most significant artists, Ray Thomas is mainly self-taught. He has developed a signature style of extraordinary technical skill in both oils and acrylics, heavily influenced by the late Lin Onus, whose works are on permanent display in Birrarung.
The launch was attended by around 150 people, who enjoyed performances by prominent Melbourne musicians Kutcha Edwards and Dave Arden, as well as the One Fire Dance Troupe.
Gunnai Yukan (Mother) Stories is on show until 10 May.