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Ngalng (Freshwater yabby);-

This narrative is closely associated with Ngalng (yabby) which are depicted in this work in figurative form, placed alongside the circular holes in which they can be found in creeks and waterholes. Namunjdja explains,

‘Kunkurra is for the Mankorlod area. [It] has songs, so when we sing, kunkurra comes out. Kunkurra is not easy, kunkurra is really hard. It blows everything away, like a cyclone. My father, he painted all these together, kalawan (goanna), ngalng (yabby), narawan (Oenpelli Python), the sacred sites, their ceremonies, they are all linked.’

Name: Kenan Namunjdja


Language: Kuninjku


Community: Maningrida


Biography:

Kenan Namunjdja is the eldest son of artists Bulanj (1965-2018) and Deborah Yulidjirri.  Trained by his father who was nationally and internationally recognised for his particularly fine rarrk and depiction of the kunkurra (spiralling wind).  His grandfather, Peter Marralwanga (1916-1987), was also a much celebrated bark painter and a leader in the 1970's Outstation movement. Kenan continues this strong legacy, through his exceptionally fine mark-making in depicting the djang of his country, Mankorlod.


© the artist / art centre