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Published by CompNet Systems on



Billabong

This painting depicts multiple animals found in billabongs surrounding Beswick. Included are multiple eel tail catfish, three file snakes, a water goanna and a freshwater crocodile. Also included are two water lily plants along with their yam roots. All are gudwan dagga, or tasty tucker.

Painting has been completed using a handmade grass reed brush called Jarlk. Raark or fine line work is in Yirritja style and consists of three or four lines before alternating colour. Modern acrylic paints have been used.

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.


© the artist / art centre