Bathi are woven from the split leaves of the Screw Palm (Pandanus Spiralis). Coil weaving was introduced to Arnhem Land in the 1930s. It was adapted from techniques used by Indigenous women throughout South East Australia.
Name: Shannon Ashley
Language: Wagilak
Biography:
Djarrak's mari (mothers mother) was one of the first recognised female painters of the Ramingining community. Today, the early career talent paints alongside both her mother and her grandmother.
Shannon also speaks of fond memories of herself as a little girl watching her uncle, the late great artist Djardie Ashley, put pigment down on bark.
“He is my uncle, and he grew me up. Painting and making art reminds me of him. He is always in my heart, forever.”
Shannon’s own art practice certainly reflects these robust artistic roots. Her paintings on canvas are a true feast for the eyes, their intricate details wrought by a confident young hand. Abstracted patterns and crosshatching techniques in a palette of earth and sky are striking to behold, reflecting her Yolngu stories in a dynamic, visually vibrant way.
Shannon is constantly inspired by these deep connections to family, Country and culture. “My family have three different countries; one place we call that area Luthunbarr,” she says.
“It’s a very beautiful Country, it’s Yolngu Country. We have everything there like trees, we go fishing, hunting for seafood like mud crab, long necked turtle and oysters.”
Through her practice, Shannon honours and respects the ancient knowledge and traditions that govern Yolngu culture. Painting stories that her family have given permission to paint and learning about Yolngu culture so if they pass away, Shannon can follow in their footsteps.
Dhawurr/batjbarra fish trap Fish traps are placed into the river to face the oncoming fish. The woven tunnel traps the fish and prevents their escape. The traps are tapered so when they are submerged in the water, Read more…
Bathi (Pandanus Basket) Bathi are woven from the split leaves of the Screw Palm (Pandanus Spiralis). Coil weaving was introduced to Arnhem Land in the 1930s. It was adapted from techniques used by Indigenous women Read more…
Warrnyu Dhawu (Flying Fox Story) Back in the Creation time, Warrnyu (Flying Foxes) once lived, like men, in the cave at the place called Kurrki Warrnyu Yirri Djaringal (they also lived in caves called Wadatilmurr Read more…