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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: Joy Borruwa

Language: Djambarrpuyungu

Community: Ramingining

Biography:

Joy Borruwa is an emerging artist who began her journey as a fibre artist before transitioning to painting in 2019. Alongside her seven siblings, Joy learned painting from her mother, Dorothy Djukulul, an esteemed artist and one of the first recognised female painters in Ramingining. While Joy always had an interest in painting, it was the artistic influence of her first husband, Bobby Bununggurr, that encouraged her to pursue and develop her artistic practice. 

“I saw my first husband, Bobby, I saw him paint and I thought, how can I paint that? So, with mum, I learn how to paint. I just want to tell the story of my mum’s totem.”

Demonstrating the power of generational teaching, Joy paints the totems of her mother and uncle, George Milpurrurru, instead of her own. Now, she paints daily. Joined by her sisters, Dorothy, Joy, and Evonne, and children Selena, Angela, and Andrew who is the Chair for Bula’bula arts.

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