The Romsey and Lancefield Historical Society will this Sunday host one of Australia’s most acclaimed photographers to talk about his work documenting indigenous sites across north-west Australia.
John Gollings began his photography career in the late 1960s and has since gained worldwide recognition for both his photography of ancient sites and architectural photography.
A site featured in his work is Narwarla Gabarnmang, a cathedral-like decorated rock shelter in Arnhem Land that shows complex figures and naturalistic animals.
It is believed to have been excavated by its Aboriginal inhabitants between 23,000 and 35,000 years ago and was first investigated in June 2006, when Ray Whear from the Jawoyn Association and pilot Chris Morgan made the discovery during a routine aerial survey of the Arnhem Land plateau.
Anthropological work with senior elders Wamud Namok and Jimmy Kalarriya helped develop an understanding of the site, as the two men had both visited when they were children and were told of its importance as the place where people camped while travelling to ceremonies in Jawoyn country.
Gollings’ photography covers vast areas of outback Australia and supports his ongoing work to raise public awareness and respect for the places of Aboriginal people.
The talk will be held from 1pm this Sunday at the Lancefield Mechanics’ Institute Hall, located at The Crescent.
. For more information, people can contact Shirley Kishere on 0402 248 540.
