Hand Painted Sherrin Football
Hand Painted Sherrin Football by June Smith (Keringke Arts).
ABOUT THE ARTIST
June's family settled in Alice Springs after her grandfather moved from Altunga because the water supply had been poisoned. Her mother was born in the West at Hermannsburg and father born to the East of Alice Springs at Undoolya Station. June grew up and attended school in Alice Springs, and following that came to Santa Teresa mission, now Ltyentye Apurte Community, June was amongst the first group of women who approached the mission staff to allow the women a place to work on their art. Later she was among those who started working at the Keringke Art Centre after it was built, in 1989.
June has realised a unique niche in the contemporary Australian Art market - her work is Central Australian Aboriginal Art, but also extremely contemporary. As her culture has shifted and changed with contemporary life, so June has created a language of symbols and motifs which represent her land, her family, and herself; but does so in her own unique form. Early memories for June of her grandmother teaching the Yalke story (and others) through sand drawing and singing have stayed with her, and are a base from which her own expression has flowed. She has been one of the very strong women for the art centre and held the position of Chair for several terms. She is also a strong mother and grand-mother, and influences many people in her life, creating a base of stability. Her painting is an important element in that strength, and her mentoring role of other artists is recogniton of her as an elder and leader amongst her community.
For over a thirty-year period Keringke Arts has developed a reputation for intricate detail and high coloured works. The shapes and designs may have features common to ancient rock art found throughout the traditional country of Eastern Arrernte people. Other motifs reflect sand and body painting designs, while others may reflect the stories and songs recounting the adventures of the ancestors who first traveled across this vast land.
In its contemporary form these designs on the canvas may not be attributed to any particular thing, holding the energy and vitality of the artist's particular creative experience. The Eastern Arrernte cultural identity includes a dreaming, a skin name, a place, as well as family name, language, and community. These things are not necessarily reflected in the design or outcome of each painting.
June's designs have been used in the Alice Springs Airport, in the Alice Springs Town Council Public Gardens and has been a feature artst at Parrtjima. Her works are held in many private and public collections.
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
Coinciding with AFL Gather Round 2026, Game On celebrates the passion, energy, and culture of Australian Rules Football in all its colourful glory! This dynamic exhibition brings together First Nations artists from across the country to explore the essence of the great Aussie game.
From the roar of the crowd to the thrill of a last-minute goal, each artwork captures the movement, emotion, and deep community connection that make footy more than just a sport. Representing a variety of teams, players, and iconic moments, Game On pays tribute to the shared traditions and rivalries that define Australian Rules Football.
Dimensions: 290 x 170 x 170
Material: acrylic, leather football
Catalogue Number: 15-26
Due to the handmade nature of the products dimensions may vary on individual pieces.
Purchases from our shops directly support individual artists as well as our unique exhibition and training programs.
Handmade in Australia.
THIS PIECE IS ON DISPLAY AS PART OF THE 'GAME ON' EXHIBITION.
THE EXHIBITION RUNS UNTIL JUNE 21st 2026. ANY SOLD WORK WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION OR DELIVERY IN EARLY JULY 2026.