Janangoo Butcher Cherel was born around 1920 at Jalnganjoowa, near the original homestead on one of the longest established cattle stations in the Kimberley, Fossil Downs.
His mother was Kija and his father, Gooniyandi. Butcher spent most of his working life on Fossil Downs. As a stockman he worked cattle, droving from Fitzroy Crossing to Derby and Broome. This time was hard as he remembers “real hard”. He is a key elder of the Gooniyandi language group and now lives in Muludja Community near Fitzroy Crossing. His works provide an insight into his cultural and physical environment, reflecting on traditional stories and on his knowledge of the land. He is a passionate artist and remains unaffected by his commercial success “What I am doing is for myself; I am working every day and I’m happy”
Butcher’s work has been exhibited across Australia and overseas. In 2004 he was presented with a Western Australian State Living Treasure Award and was voted to be one of the 50 most collectable artists by the Australian Art Collector magazine. In 2006 he was a finalist in the Clemenger Award. His work is held in the collections of the National Gallery of Australia, National Gallery of Victoria and many other important public and private collections.
This is Butcher’s ninth exhibition with Brigitte Braun wo has been representing him since 1992. Yanoonggoo (New/Fresh) will open on Saturday 15 November from 3-5pm and runs till 6 December at Brigitte Braun Gallery, White Street, Windsor and can be seen Wednesday “ Saturday between 1-4 pm or by appointment and on www.artplace.com.au.
For more information please call Brigitte Braun on 03 95212324 or 0417184260 or email artplace@iinet.net.au.
