115682286311

Published by CompNet Systems on

Raypiny Dhawu (Fresh Water Story)

All Aboriginal people originate from a spiritual source, fixed in a particular place in their land or the sea. These ‘spiritual reservoirs’ are often in the form of special waterholes made by Wangarr (creative spirits) that were created long ago close to the beginning of time. These creator beings moved across the countryside, shaping the land and implanting in each tract of country, the spiritual life force for the people who were to own it. These creative spirits took many forms and when they gave the land to each group, they also gave songs, dances, ceremony, the associated laws and language.

 

The creation story for Ganalbingu people took place near the middle section of the Glyde River where it becomes the Goyder River. Their land, Ngaliyindi, sits astride the Arafura Swamp in Central Arnhem Land. Many Ganalbingu artists paint totemic species significant to their clan. These can include baru (crocodile), banda (long necked turtle), buliya (catfish), yalman (waterlilies), gumang (magpie geese), dakawa (fresh water yabby), ratjuk (barramundi), warrnyu (flying fox) and more.

 

Categories: Bula'bula Arts

Name: Daniel Warrulukuma

Community: Ramingining

Biography:

Daniel Warrulukuma is a young Gurrulpa man, born in 1992. He lives in Ramingining, where he spends much of his time painting. He was taught by his two grandfathers, Billy Black and JB Fisher. Both of these men have mastered the use of very precise rarrk (cross hatching) work, which Daniel has adopted and adapted to his own style. Daniel uses both rarrk and round brushes to achieve his unique aesthetic. His colourful and vibrant paintings frequently depict hunting stories from his homeland. In 2016, Daniel’s work was featured in Another Country – Art Contemporain Aborigene exhibition at the Galerie IDAIA (International Development for Australian Indigenous Art), Paris.

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© the artist / art centre