Cliff Reid

Cliff Reid was a masterful Ngaanyatjarra storyteller and artist from Blackstone, whose paintings conveyed ancestral narratives with bold, distinctive visual language. Born at Wannarn in Western Australia's remote Ngaanyatjarra Lands, Reid experienced mission education at Warburton before working as a drover and eventually settling at Blackstone with his wife Ruby. Commencing painting in 2003 with Papulankutja Artists, Reid quickly emerged as a leading figure, depicting Seven Sisters stories and the epic journeys of Dreamtime heroes through his mother's and wife's country. His artistic style—characterised by raw, bold compositions, distinctive white outlines creating three-dimensional effects, and dynamic movement—reflected both traditional cave painting aesthetics and his unique Christian-influenced perspective on mythological narratives. Reid's compelling storytelling ability, described as possessing a "magnetic force," drew collectors and audiences to his work. His paintings were exhibited at William Mora Galleries and entered significant private collections. Reid's influence extended beyond his art; as a community leader, he championed establishing Blackstone's art centre. His legacy lies in demonstrating how personal experience and cultural authority could transform traditional stories into powerful contemporary paintings with a distinctive visual impact.

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Cliff Reid

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