Peter Overs / Emu Dreaming (2A)

60cm x 60cm Acrylic on Canvas

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION
Emu Dreaming relates to how all elements inter-relate and are co-dependant to keeping universal balance and order. The Emu eats the nutritious and deliciously sweet Quandong fruit, in which the small seeds become entrapped within the Emu’s feet and beak. The Emu meanders around the country-side and the Quandong seeds are re-dispersed, allowing the seeds to germinate, flourish and regenerate the land. Thus, while the Emu relies on the Quandong fruit for nutrients and survival, so too does the Quandong Fruit rely on the Emu for re-dispersement and continuity.

Peter Overs  

Peter Overs was born in Brisbane in 1976. A Kamilaroi man, his home country is Dirranbandi in South-West Queensland. Growing up, Peter had continual exposure to his country with hunting trips, fishing and story-telling of his people's traditional ways.

This ongoing exposure to and connection with his culture saw him join a group of 26 young men who became the first Kamilaroi to be formally initiated into tribal ways for around 100 years. As part of that process, Peter took the traditional name of Dhinawan or Emu.

Peter primarily paints his people's Emu Dreaming Story which relates to the balance and order of the universe. In the story, the emu eats the quandong fruit and the seeds get stuck in its feet and beak. As the emus move around the countryside they disperse the seed and new quandong fruit regenerate.

Peter started to paint over 25 years ago and he has taken inspiration from Dorothy Napangardi, Walala Tjapaltjarri and Ronnie Tjampitjinpa. It was their works and encouragement that saw him develop his own unique style that he continues to explore today. 

Peter currently lives in Alice Springs.