Mornington Island Wrapping Paper with “Love Rocks” Artwork by Ethel Thomas

Warthardangathi Bijarrba Ethel Thomas, born 1946, is a Kayardild woman from Bentinck Island in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Queensland. She paints at Mornington Island Art. Thomas and her fellow Bentinck Island artists have enjoyed great critical and commercial success since 2005, when they began painting at the Art Centre. The vibrant colours and rich textures of their works have captivated audiences in Australia and internationally.

Artwork details: Love rocks, 2007, synthetic polymer paint on linen, 1370 x 910 mm.

Artwork story: This painting depicts special rocks used by Kayardild women to charm men.

Blak Flair is a KickArts creative merchandise project that has been generously supported by the Christensen Fund. The project aims to develop a collection of merchandise that portrays the work of Indigenous artists from Far North Queensland, to promote their work and cultural importance to the broader community.