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08 June / 14 July 2024
DAVID DOYLE
Homage - An ode to the ancestors
David Doyle is a Barkindji/Malyangapa man based in Broken Hill, NSW. His family is from the Menindee region of the Baaka (Darling River). Doyle is a knowledge holder of Barkindji bush medicines and edible plants. He produces medicinal lotions, tinctures and soaps using these same medicines. Following the traditions of his mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Doyle is a carver and artist in both traditional and contemporary mediums through which he explores his culture and histories.
‘I use materials from the Baaka in most of my sculptures because I’m making something that’s part of myself, part of my culture and my history’
In David Doyle’sexhibition Homage the artist has created three distinct series: Glass Coolamon, Unbroken Shields and Curved Parrying Shields
The Glass Coolamon series
The Glass Coolamon series pays homage to the legacy of Doyle’s grandfather and his forebears, honouring the enduring spirit of those who came before him. The works are Rooted in Doyle’s ancestral lineage, particularly the Malyangapa heritage. Each Coolamon embodies a deep connection to the past referencing intricately engraved petroglyphs, echoing the sacredness of an ancient campsite perpetuating a narrative of time immemorial. The glass serves as a symbolic bridge between past and present.
The coolamon "Walking between waterholes" is a particularly significant work for Doyle as it encapsulates a tribute to his grandmother’s lineage, referencing strong connections to the land surrounding the Menindee lakes within Barkindji country. The Glass Coolamon captures the essence of traversing the arid landscape, where each step symbolizes a connection to ancestral narratives and traditions. The subdued hues of grey reflect the solemnity of the journey, mirroring the timeless bond between generations and the enduring presence of Indigenous heritage.
The Unbroken series of Shields
When asked about the unbroken series Doyle states:
“The Eroded works serve as a poignant reflection on the enduring struggle to preserve our cultural identity amidst external pressures to assimilate and forget our roots. It speaks to the relentless forces that seek to erode our connection to our past, our identity, and our ancestral lands. Through metaphorical erosion, our souls, memories, and customs bear the scars of this ongoing battle, wearing away at our knowledge, language, ceremony, and stories. Yet, like a weathered shield, we remain resilient. Despite the erosion, our spirit endures steadfast and unyielding, a testament to the strength of our cultural heritage.
Fragmented delves into the complex dynamics of cultural assimilation, capturing the pervasive pressure to conform and abandon our unique identity in favour of homogeneity. It speaks to the expectation to overlook historical injustices, urging us to simply blend in and embrace a future detached from our past. This relentless pressure weighs heavily, threatening to fracture the very essence of our spirit. Yet, like a fractured shield, we endure. Despite the fractures, our resilience shines through, a testament to our unwavering determination to preserve our cultural heritage amidst adversity.
Battered reflects on the enduring struggle of being hammered into conformity, and coerced into adopting a narrative that undermines our cultural richness and legacy. It confronts the damaging notion that we are inherently primitive and undeserving, instilling a sense of submission. Despite the relentless pressure, we remain resilient. Like a battered shield, we bear the marks of adversity, but we refuse to be defeated. Our strength lies in our ability to endure, steadfast in our commitment to reclaim our identity and heritage.”
The Curved Parrying Shields series
This series of bronze shields stands as a testament to individuality and ancestral legacy. While each shield shares the same form, their designs hail from David Doyle’s Barkindji ancestors, where every pattern served as a mark of the carver's identity. Doyle has embraced this tradition, carving each design by hand, and eschewing templates to ensure the authenticity and uniqueness of every piece. Barkindji designs are characterized by their symmetry and repetition, offering a beauty that lies in their subtle variations. By crafting each shield freehand, Doyle pays homage to the ancient art of carving, preserving not only aesthetic integrity but also the intrinsic individuality of each shield, echoing the spirit of my ancestors' craftsmanship.
