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Gunga wungili (pandanus picture)
At the end of May 2024, Bula’bula artists, along with Milingimbi Arts and Culture, Maningrida Arts, and Gapuwiak Arts, were invited to attend the Langarra Bush Gallery—a three-day camp that included an exhibition, workshops, and discussions for the Weavers of Arnhem Land. Langarra is an island located a 20-minute boat ride from Elcho Island in the Arafura Sea.
The Bush Gallery provided weavers with an opportunity to create work that pushed their boundaries, encouraging them to experiment with new techniques or showcase unique skills. The goal was to foster a supportive environment where weavers could create and present work they were excited about, facilitate discussions, connections, growth, and instilling pride in their craft.
As a result of this project, our weavers produced traditional Yolngu items from hand-spun bush string, including bags, hunting and fishing items, and wearable ceremonial pieces. Additionally, they explored new approaches by creating canvas-shaped formats. This format invite viewers to examine the intricate details, colours, and craftsmanship, highlighting the inherent beauty of the gunga.