37781054001857

Published by CompNet Systems on

Status: Stock

Cotton linen – $130 per meter

A screen print design developed in 2022 by Abigail Namundja and her late mother, the senior artist Jennifer Kamanj Wurrkidj. 

Kalawan (goanna) Common name: Gould’s Sand Monitor

Kalawan (goanna) is a secret ceremony story. This design also depicts Buluwana (female ancestor) and Ngalyod (rainbow serpent).

At the time of making this work, Abigail did not feel comfortable to discuss the artwork. Senior artist, Janet Kalidjan Marawarr stepped in to say:

“Kalawan stays in mud surrounded by stone. Kalawan is active during the wet season but may hibernate underground during the yekke time – the colder, drier months of  May – August. When people go into the spear grass country to collect pandanus to make mandjabu (fish trap) and marebu (floor mats) they may encounter Kalawan. People respect his place.” Janet Kalidjan Marawarr in conversation with Jessica Stalenberg 04.06.25

Categories: Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation

Name: Abigail Gurawiliwili Namundja

Language: Ndjébbana, Kune, Kuninjku

Community: Maningrida

Biography:

Abigail has been an artist with Bábbarra Designs since 2012 and joined the Arts Worker team in 2023. She comes from a strong lineage of talented artists, including her mother, the late Jennifer Wurrkidj, and her grandmother, the late Helen Lanyinwanga. Three generations of women from Abigail’s family have worked together at the Bábbarra Women’s Centre, sharing knowledge and creating new designs. Abigail often prints linocuts from her family’s collection, carrying forward the memory and legacy of the women who came before her.

Abigail's totems are Gungura (spiral wind), Kunwardde (stone country rocks), Yawkyawk (young woman spirit), and Kandji (Jabiru). She also honors her mother's dreaming, Ngalyod (rainbow serpent), in her work. Abigail loves to celebrate the wildflowers of Arnhem Land in her designs.

Abigail’s Lino print fabrics are distinguished by her expert use of color, often incorporating ombré or rainbow effects that enhance the depth and vibrancy of her textile designs.

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© the artist / art centre