Gaan Nyaagi - Looking for humpback Whales

This painting illustrates the burru yawutang (northern migration) of the gaan (humpback whales). People flock to the headlands to witness this magnificent migration, where humpbacks are identifiable by their distinctive spouts, blowing in large columns.

For thousands of years, Aboriginal people have observed this migration. One of the rocks features engravings of two whales—one representing the learning associated with the burru yawutang and the other symbolizing the waang yuwutang (southern migration).

Acrylic on canvas
45 cm x 45 cm

Artists Bio

Wayne Anderson is a Biripi-Worimi man who continues to develop as a successful artist. He also gives priority to sharing cultural knowledge, including 8Ways methods, that are connected to Aboriginal ways of teaching and learning. 

Wayne’s unique artwork strongly aligns to experiences on country. He has exhibited solo at galleries including Port Macquarie Glasshouse. His purchased artwork can be seen at Community Housing Limited, TAFE and Wauchope Railway Station. He has worked with other local Aboriginal artists group to produce art for Port Macquarie Hastings Council, Port Macquarie Base Hospital and Port Macquarie Koala Hospital.

Wayne has extensive experience and dynamic understanding of 8 WAYS. His understanding and use of 8WAYS strongly aligns to education, leadership, community and life experiences.