KAARL – Before the Fire

Kim Kiosses

The Noongar Season ‘Bunuru’ is represented by the colour orange and is the hottest time of the year, with little to no rain, this painting shows the bush before the fire. In Aboriginal culture, fire holds profound significance, serving as a tool for land management, survival and cultural practice. Noongar people used fire to manage the landscape, clearing undergrowth for easier movement, promoting growth of certain plants and reduce the risk of large uncontrolled wildfires.

Fire was integral in traditional life. It provided warmth and essential for cooking food. Campfires were the focal point for storytelling, singing and sharing traditions, dreamtime themes and cultural knowledge. Kim lives in Dunsborough and has been painting for over 4 years.