LIFE STORIES

ART

of the heart

PETER ‘MU-RAAY DJERIPI’ Mulcahy’s artworks have a proud, deep-rooted connection to his ancestral lineage. Their coded lines and geometric designs beckons their audience to rediscover the ancient translation.

Owner of Gaiungan Gallery Studio of Fine Art in Tewantin, Mu-raay is a Gamilaroi man, storyteller, cultural teacher and professional artist.

At the core of all he paints, writes and speaks is a desire to reach his audience with knowledge gained from Elders and Spirit. “Everyone who visits my gallery will leave with a genuine cultural, spiritual lesson,” Mu-raay says.

Mu-raay began painting when he accepted the advice of his “old spirit man” who said, “pick up your brush and you will learn much more than how to paint”.

This calling began Mu-raay’s 30-year career in art, storytelling, cultural teaching and a life of expressing himself through his work.

“As the fortunate benefactor of so many truly exceptional Elders throughout my life, I have been fi lled with both awe and knowledge,” Mu-raay says.

“This knowledge has mixed with my own innate knowing and connection to spirit, solidifying a very real sense of responsibility. I believe this responsibility exists as both a great weight and my greatest strength. Nothing in my life has ever revealed itself as a choice, I just do to the best of my ability what I came here to do.

“My works are truly and simply my palm cards, these works hold the teachings of my old ones, the stories of our most ancient knowings.”

Combining his artistic fi nesse and 30 years in cultural teaching, Mu-raay’s creations overfl ow with purpose and meaning. The genesis of his styles are as numerous as the works on display. All Dreaming stories painted by Mu-raay have the personal approval and permission from the Elders holding that story.

“These works are a combination of places, they are my Elders, they are the timeless knowings of this Dreaming Land we all call our home,” Mu-raay says.

“Each work holds deep ethical, moral and spiritual attributes painted directly and purposefully into the canvas.”

In his role as caretaker and translator of this knowing, Mu-raay always takes the time to speak with, and share the stories with his clients.

“These works remind us of how we once were and how as humanity we could be again,” he says.

“Each line, each geometric symbolism holds actual meaning, you need only ask to discover for yourself.

“My passion is to see my people remember themselves, for who they were, what we stood for and what we will be again.

“I desire for our non-indigenous brothers and sisters to hear, see, and understand, through what I paint and teach, a greater understanding of what it is to be Australian.”

Mu-raay is off ering salt magazine readers a 25 per cent discount on all current artwork at Gaiungan Gallery Studio of Fine Arts until December 2022.

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