Giraru Galing Ganhagirri (The wind will bring the rain)

Giraru Galing Ganhagirri means “The Wind Will Bring Rain” in Wiradjuri. It speaks to the implacable force of Country, the meeting of the elements of air and water and of the assurance that, in nature, one thing follows another. Always have and always will.

In these times, we find solace in the ‘ancientness’ and endurance of Country. Whatever happens, the wind will always bring the rain. Bray says ‘I live on Boonwurrung and Wurundjeri Country. Sometimes, when a storm blows down from Wiradjuri Country, I will go out and stand in the wind and the rain as a way of connecting with my ancestral homeland. Like the rain on my face, or ochre on my skin, my body carries an ancient memory of my Country in my body, no matter where I am.

Giraru Galing Ganhagirri is a multi-channel screen video installation of pure dance - a poetic, choreographic meditation on the elements. Choreographically Joel’s body evokes water, air and earth, and the various combinations and forms these take in Nature- rain, storms, clouds, dew, wind, breezes, creeks and rivers.

Filmed On Country in Wagga Wagga and surrounds, Joel Bray, Cinematographer James Wright and Composer Daniel Nixon spent time with Elders and in sacred locations across Wiradjuri Country, filming and recording sound for this video installation project. What eventuated was a rich overlay of choreography and digital ochre; painting Country on Joel’s body as he dances on Country. This installation is comprised of 3 screens on 16 min loop, with a haunting and immersive soundscape of the Australian landscape, water, wind, feet on earth, birds and other wildlife.