KARUMBA - DANCING BROLGAS
“highly reflective arching and curving fish-like shapes inspired by the marine and fishing industries flash silver as they sweep across the sculptural form leading the eye around and through the artistic composition.” manning daly art
Dancing Brolgas by Manning Daly Art. Image credit Phlip Vids
A town where outback truly meets the sea, Karumba is situated at the mouth of the Norman River. Karumba is a fishing mecca and bird watcher’s paradise. During the summer months, monsoon rains replenish the waterways, invigorate the barramundi population and attract a multitude of migratory birds.
Karumba Point sets the stage for amazing sunsets, and is the only site with direct access to the Gulf via sealed road. Visitors can experience a buffet of local seafood and culinary delights, sampling the best wild caught barramundi, prawns, and crabs in Australia, while admiring mother nature’s splendour.
The floodplains of the Gulf of Carpentaria offer a fascinating event of musical symphony and dance. Brolgas take centre stage in a duet which expresses reinforces their commitment to each other. The scene depicted in the sculpture is a courtship display marked by graceful leaps, bowing, spreading of wings, and circling.
The accompanying music includes trumpeting, wing beats, feather rustling and beak snapping. As time passes a couple’s song and dance becomes more intricate and synchronised. The display signifies bonding and showcases vigour to rival pairs.
Dancing Brolgas by Manning Daly Art. Image credit Phlip Vids
“A huge number of birds flock to this area and the elaborate courtship display make Brolgas extremely recognisable, literally thousands flock to the billabongs and the plains. Brolgas are famous for the spectacular leaping and bowing displays which are part of pair formation and long term bonding.
Character of place and the celebration of the unique local identity of Karumba is reflected through layers of meaning in the artistic composition.”
Manning Daly Art