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Published by CompNet Systems on

GuGu – Sugarbag Story

This painting depicts Woolybutt tree gum nuts about to flower. These flowers are a beautiful orange colour and visible partway through the dry season in Arnhem Land. Both the nuts and flowers are an indicator species to let people know that gugu (pronounced Ku-Ku) or sugar bag is ready for harvesting.

Gugu is a highly prized find, and this story is Harry’s mother’s story of which he is Djungai or “ritual policeman” for.

Painting has been completed using a handmade Jarlk brush harvested from local billabongs and wet areas. Raark or fine line work is in Yirritja style and consists of multiple lines before alternating colour.

Categories: Djilpin Arts Aboriginal Corporation

Name: Harry Malibirr

Language: Wägilak, Ganalbiŋu, Ritharrŋu

Community: Wugularr (Beswick)

Biography:

Harry was born at Elcho Island and is an artistic cultural man through mediums of painting, carving and ceremonial dancing of Bungul. Harry learned art through watching and absorbing knowledge from his father and uncle. Both were painters who encouraged Harry to paint small bits of their art, helping gather knowledge, skills and confidence.  
Harry works with both modern acrylics, as well as traditional ochres/stones and is confident with a Jarlk reed brush. He works on canvas and bark, while also carving yidaki or didj, and larrakitj or lorrkon.

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© the artist / art centre