Eliza, Simon Wonga’s Wife - Dan Kelly
Eliza, Simon Wonga’s Wife - Dan Kelly 350-16
Stencil on paper, 46 x 61cm
$395
Dan Kelly is of Wathaurong heritage (Bellarine Peninsula) and is a prolific Aboriginal artist. He has become a major artist at Baluk Arts, his work is diverse, in a range of mediums, and is of the highest quality.
He focusses on reconnecting with culture, and expresses his passions for Aboriginal issues, family, environment and politics.
The detail in his work reflects his commitment to his art making. The mediums he has worked with include paint, wood carving, limestone carving, trace monotype print and ochre stencil.
Eliza was the wife of Simon Wonga and related to the 'Goulburn Tribe'.
Simon Wonga was an important Aboriginal leader, who became ngurungaeta, or 'head man' of the Wurundjeri Tribe in the mid 19th century at a time when the future was uncertain. He helped his people face the loss of their traditional way of life. He also achieved his vision for an Aboriginal settlement at Coranderrk.
Eliza was described as a young widow in 1874 when Simon died of heart and lung disease, thought to new tuberculosis.
