377810582200418

Published by on

Mandjabu and Kunmadj – Archive

From our archive, circa 2009. This work was included in the exhibition ‘Momentum’ at Tamworth Regional Art Gallery. 

‘Curated by Valerie Kirk, Head of Textiles at the Australian National University. The theme for the Biennial was the gathering of momentum and ideas in response to evolving current technologies in textiles.

“History and Tradition have not been negated. On the contrary, there is a reawakened interest in preserving knowledge and expertise, respecting past traditions and making sure they continue into the future. there is a global attraction to Indigenous textiles and fibre works and many collaborations, development/commercial projects between cultures”

– Valerie Kirk, Momentum: 18th Tamworth Fibre Textile Biennial Catalogue, pg.7

Categories: Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation

Name: Deborah Wurrkidj

Language: Kuninjku

Biography:

Deborah Wurrkidj is a highly regarded, versatile artist who has readily adapted to new art forms while retaining her strong clan traditions. She has been working with Bábbarra Designs since 1991, alongside her mother, Helen Lanyinwanga, and sister Jennifer Wurrkidj. She is a leading textile artist and an integral member of Bábbarra Women’s Centre.

Deborah’s work is vibrant, tactile and intricate, evocative of the local natural environment as well as referencing her deep cultural knowledge. Her extensive body of textile art is illustrative of the artistic innovation that has occurred in Maningrida in recent times and that is apparent in her work in other mediums also.

Deborah is world renowned for her bark painting, lorrkkon (hollow logs), and fibre baskets. She has exhibited widely since 2001, throughout Australia as well as in Europe and the United States. She is represented in most of Australia’s state gallery collections.

Related Posts

Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation

377810582334740

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…

Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation

377810582335739

Ngalyod Ngalyod (Rainbow serpent) Rainbow spirit coming from billabong. Rainbow serpent dreaming.  Coming from billabong, that place we call billabong where that ngalyod (rainbow serpent) lives. All that wayuk (waterlily), all them kundalk (grass) and Read more…

Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation

377810582335736

Namurre Boko A two colour screen print design from 2022. Jay’s first large format design to join the Bábbarra Designs Collection. ‘This is my first one, I’m really happy, I’m proud. It’s just a songline Read more…

© the artist / art centre