Yolngu often reflect traditional ceremonial and artistic activities which continue to be practised across the country carrying the spiritual forces of the ancestral beings from one generation to the next. In each artwork intricate cross-hatched images unify figurative elements to tell of a world of ancestral transformations.
This artwork features dancing spiders.
Name: Angela Malibirr Banyawarra
Language: Ganalbingu
Community: Ramingining
Biography:
Angela Banyawarra Malibirr is a Ganalbingu woman and current Vice Chair of Bula’bula Arts. Having begun painting at the centre since 2016, Angela has featured in several inter-state group exhibitions. Her works stand out for their delicate yet detailed depictions of Raypiny Dhawu (Freshwater Story) and Gumang (Magpie Goose).
Angela is the daughter of world-renowned Yolngu artist and song man, B. Bununggurr (dec.) whose influence and encouragement shaped generations of Ramingining artists both young and old. Learning the stories and songlines from her father has had a profound impact on Angela’s life, propelling her into the strong artist and cultural woman she is today.
Aside from her artistic accomplishments, Angela is an intelligent and hardworking member of the community. Having studied Community Services through CDU and Bible Studies at Nungalinya College, Angela puts her intellect to use, often translating for the circuit court in Ramingining.
Angela is a dedicated member of Bula’bula Arts and spends most days painting alongside her siblings, mum, and aunties.
Mapu (egg) hunting This is as ancient story about how Yolngu used to collect food. They would go out into the swamp in their bark canoes and collect all the magpie geese eggs. You Read more…
Raypiny Dhawu (Fresh Water Story) All Aboriginal people originate from a spiritual source, fixed in a particular place in their land or the sea. These ‘spiritual reservoirs’ are often in the form of special waterholes Read more…
Raypiny Dhawu (Fresh Water Story) All Aboriginal people originate from a spiritual source, fixed in a particular place in their land or the sea. These ‘spiritual reservoirs’ are often in the form of special waterholes Read more…