Makéddja (sea turtle) is a popular design by Joy Garlbin, Ndjebbana speaking traditional owner of Maningrida. This simple one colour design was created during the Covid19 lock downs in the month of January and February 2022 when artists were working from home.
Name: Joy Garlbin
Community: Maningrida
Biography:
Joy is an integral member of the Bábbarra Women’s Centre and traditional owner of Maningrida.
She has been around since the early years of Bábbarra Women’s Centre. Joy is a textile artist and also a highly regarded bark painter, creator of mimi spirits, as well as weaver of pandanus fibre.
Joy depicts the story of her ancestral dreaming the Djomi in her textile work, with permission from her djunguys. Joy is from the Kunibidji language group of Arnhem Land. Ndjébbana is one of the least commonly spoken languages in Arnhem Land, and is the language of the traditional owners of Maningrida.
Kunkurra (Spiral Wind) ‘My designs, they are all alive living up in my head’- Janet Marawarr Janet Marawarr has depicted kunkurra, the spiralling wind associated with several sites in the Kardbam clan. On one level, Read more…
Kayawa (baby floor mat) and Lorrkon This design features the Lorrkkon tile by renowned artists and arts worker Raylene Bonson. In a hopscotch pattern, Joy has printed her own Kayawa (baby floor mat) in between.
Yawkyawk and Wak ‘Yawkyawk swim underneath the rock. They always stay there. When the sun comes out they come out from underneath the river, make themselves warm. They sit and they look around. When they Read more…