Kevin Waina / Wandjina and Gwion Gwion Rock Art (KW190)

1954 – 2016

Kevin Waina was born in Wyndham in 1954 and spent most of his life in the remote coastal community of Kalumburu in the far north of the East Kimberley. He and his wife Bernadette raised seven children, with their three eldest—Cassandra, Melissa, and Lawrence—inheriting their father’s artistic talent. Bernadette is also well known in her own right for her traditional artefacts, particularly her bush buckets crafted from moulded bark, which are now sought-after collector’s items.

Kevin was a regular visitor to Kununurra, often painting in-house at the gallery. He never missed the Melbourne Cup festivities or the chance to join his wife on a Christmas shopping trip. Over the years, Kevin travelled widely across Australia and overseas—including a memorable trip to the Vatican where he led a delegation of Indigenous Australians to Rome. When asked why he was chosen as leader, he joked, “Because if we got lost, I’m the only one cheeky enough to ask the way home!” Kevin’s sharp wit and warm personality made him a joy to be around. He famously compared the Colosseum to an AFL oval—pacing it out to prove it was, in fact, smaller than he’d expected.

Back home in Kalumburu—renowned for its stunning coastline, fishing, mud crabs and oysters—Kevin ran the local radio station for many years. Broadcasting across the Kimberley and Pilbara (and often nationally via satellite from Broome), he brought a mix of knowledge, humour and cultural insight to his listeners. He was a gifted communicator and always generous in sharing stories and the meaning behind his art.

Kevin primarily painted with natural ochres on canvas or bark, focusing on the ancient Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) rock art found throughout his Country in the Kwini region, stretching from Oombulgurri to Kalumburu and including King George Sound. His work also featured the Wallarwhroo—a white spirit figure similar to, but distinct from, the Wandjina. While the Wandjina is the Rain God, Kevin’s Wallarwhroo guided his people to the best and most culturally appropriate places to hunt and fish. The hand motifs in his work signify areas that are off-limits. In return for his guidance, people would leave offerings for the Wallarwhroo.

Kevin was meticulous about the cultural and geographic boundaries in his artwork, with Wandjina Country extending from the Prince Regent area south to Mowanjum. His deep knowledge of the Gwion Gwion tradition made him one of the most respected artists working in this style. He exhibited widely, with his artworks now held in major private and corporate collections around the world. Kevin was often interviewed and consulted by academics and media for his insights into this extraordinary and ancient art form.

Kevin passed away in 2016 after a short illness, surrounded by family in his beloved Kalumburu. He was a remarkable man—funny, thoughtful, endlessly curious, and deeply respectful of culture and community. His presence is greatly missed, but his legacy lives on in his art, his stories, and the many lives he touched.