Deborah Wurrkidj is a Kuninjku artist from the Kurulk clan whose country lies around the outstation of Mumeka in central Arnhem Land.
In this design she has depicted man-djarduk (red bush apples) – a sweet, crisp bush food that is a favourite to collect.
Man-djarduk fruits in kurrung and kunumeleng seasons, the build-up and first rains seasons.
Name: Deborah Wurrkidj
Language: Kuninjku
Community: Maningrida
Biography:
Deborah Kamanj Wurrkidj is a highly regarded and versatile artist known for seamlessly adapting to new art forms while upholding her strong clan traditions. Since 1991, she has worked with Bábbarra Designs, alongside her late mother, Helen Lanyinwanga, and her late sister, Jennifer Wurrkidj. As a leading textile artist and an integral member of the Bábbarra Women’s Centre, Deborah’s contributions have been pivotal to its artistic and cultural output. Deborah is the Duwa djunkay for her mother and grandfathers ancestral dreaming stories.
Her work is vibrant, tactile, and intricate, drawing inspiration from the local natural environment and infused with deep cultural knowledge. Deborah's extensive body of textile art reflects the innovative artistic evolution occurring in Maningrida, which is also evident in her work across various mediums including bush dye silk, screen print and lino print.
In addition to her textiles, Deborah is world-renowned for her bark paintings, lorrkkon(hollow log), and fibre baskets. Since 2001, she has exhibited extensively across Australia, Europe, the United States, and India. Her work is included in most of Australia's major state gallery collections.
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…
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…
Marebu Deborah Wurrkidj is a Kuninjku artist from the Kurulk clan whose country lies around the outstation of Mumeka in central Arnhem Land. She is an accomplished artist working across mediums including painting, sculpture, weaving Read more…