Lake Tobin - Rover Joolama Thomas

Lake Tobin lies between Wells 38 and 39 on the Canning Stock Route in the Great Sandy Desert of Western Australia. Part of the ancient Percival Lakes system, it has long been an important place for Aboriginal people and travellers crossing the desert. Fed by water flowing from nearby cliffs, the lake is surrounded by stands of desert oaks that provide welcome shade in an otherwise harsh landscape.

For Rover Thomas, places such as Lake Tobin were more than geographical landmarks—they were sites of cultural significance, carrying the histories, knowledge and stories of Country. In this work, Lake Tobin is identified by its distinctive landscape, where desert oaks and termite mounds mark the lake's high-water edge, reflecting the enduring relationship between people, place and the natural environment.