WAC127/24 – Peter Thomas

– 60 x 60 cm

Joomooloony (Boab Tree) is a heartfelt tribute by Peter Thomas to his late mother, Mary Thomas, who was born under a Boab tree. This evocative work reflects the strength, resilience, and timeless beauty of the Boab, a powerful symbol of life and connection in the Kimberley region.

Painted with traditional ochre pigments gathered from Country, the artwork captures the Boab’s enduring presence—its wide, weathered trunk bearing the marks of countless generations and its sprawling branches reaching skyward, bridging earth and spirit. Through the layering of earthy tones, Peter brings to life the textures of the tree’s bark, the sunlit ground beneath its roots, and the shifting light that dances across the Kimberley landscape.

For the Gija people, the Joomooloony is much more than a tree. It embodies stories of survival, belonging, and ancestral knowledge, standing as a living testament to cultural strength and continuity. The Boab bears witness to both the Dreaming and lived histories, grounding the community in its deep relationship with Country.

In this work, Peter Thomas honours his mother’s story and the profound cultural significance of the Boab. It is a celebration of heritage, a testament to life’s resilience, and an invitation to reflect on the enduring spirit of the land and the people it sustains.