Serena Pinday

Serena Pinday’s artistic journey is a testament to the strength of heritage, the power of storytelling, and the unbreakable bond between generations. A proud Gija woman, Serena carries forward the artistic legacies of her Great Grandmother, Madigan Thomas, and her Grandmother, Shirley Purdie, ensuring their stories continue to inspire and shape the future.Her work is a vibrant celebration of identity and tradition, intricately weaving together women’s skin group names, the significance of the Catholic faith, and the enduring theme of Generations to Generations. Deeply connected to cultural practices, Serena incorporates traditional knowledge into her art, from crafting birds from boab nuts to using bush medicines and bush tucker. Each piece serves as both a personal and collective narrative, honouring the resilience and wisdom of her ancestors.Serena is an absolute master of ochre, a perfectionist to the T. She possesses an extraordinary ability to create stunning natural palettes using the same traditional materials that her ancestors used for generations. With deep respect for ancient knowledge and an innovative artistic vision, she transforms these raw earth pigments into breathtaking contemporary works. Her mastery of ochre bridges the past and present, proving that cultural traditions are not just preserved but continuously evolving through new generations of storytellers.Beyond celebrating culture, Serena’s work carries a profound historical consciousness. She bravely confronts the painful realities of the past, including the tragedies of massacre, ensuring that these stories are never forgotten. This duality, celebration and remembrance, infuses her art with deep emotional resonance, inviting audiences to engage with the layered and complex history of her people.Serena’s presence in the art world is transformative. Through her work, she bridges past and present,urging viewers to reflect on their own relationships with history and heritage. Her dedication to storytelling ensures that the legacies of her Great Grandmother and Grandmother do more than endure-they thrive. In her hands, these stories flourish, illuminating the path for generations to come