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Julawuna (cyclone)

The julawuna depicted in this painting is inspired by a particular cave painting at Donny Woolagoodja’s traditional homeland, Wiggingarra Butt Butt. Wiggingarra Butt Butt is approximately 300 nautical miles north of Derby and can only be reached by helicopter or boat. Donny remembers growing up at Wiggingarra Butt Butt. In particular he points out the mangrove trees growing on the beach. He reminisces about climbing them as a young fella with his old people sitting close by. The cyclone in Donny’s painting is painted in a similar style to the cyclone found on the roof of the ‘cyclone cave.’ According to Donny the cyclone was painted into the cave to remind people to take shelter in the cave because the cyclone will return.

Name: Kallum Mungulu


Community: Mowanjum


Biography:

Kallum was born in Perth in 1996. Kallum's father is a Nyikina man and his mother is from Worrorra country. Kallum's great grandmother, Gudu Mungulu, is a Ngarinyin woman, and his great grandfather is a Worrorra man.  Kallum identifies with all of the Mowanjum tribes and commonly paints all three of the Wandjinas. 

At the age of 16, Kallum moved to Freshwater Cove where he became interested in painting. He began life there working as a tour guide through the old sites. Here, Donny Woolagoodja taught him everything about the Wandjina, his people, his culture and art. The cultural and artistic knowledge that Kallum gained over time helped him develop his own unique style that encompassed painting the three Wandjinas along with Dumbi the owl. His artwork was displayed at the Syndey Opera House Homeground Markets Exhibition in 2017 and is currently displayed at Mowanjum Arts. 

Not only is Kallum a talented artist, he is also a singer songwriter and the front man of the local band, The Cruisers. Previously, Kallum worked at Derby radio station playing his music on air and recording his work. However, now Kallum performs more freelance gigs and is developing as a solo artist, performing at Mowanjum Festival multiple times.

Kallum also works at the North Western coast as a ranger. He finds that this allows him to keep his connection to his country strong. While on country, Kallum finds he has the strongest connection to his painting and his song writing. He paints majority of his spirit paintings while travelling up the coast and writes lyrics and music that explore his culture, history and country. 

 


© the artist / art centre