115682357132

Published by CompNet Systems on

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 made by Wangarr (creative spirits) that were created long ago close to the beginning of time. These creator beings moved across the countryside, shaping the land and implanting in each tract of country, the spiritual life force for the people who were to own it. These creative spirits took many forms and when they gave the land to each group, they also gave songs, dances, ceremony, the associated laws and language.

 

The creation story for Ganalbingu people took place near the middle section of the Glyde River where it becomes the Goyder River. Their land, Ngaliyindi, sits astride the Arafura Swamp in Central Arnhem Land. Many Ganalbingu artists paint totemic species significant to their clan. These can include baru (crocodile), banda (long necked turtle), buliya (catfish), yalman (waterlilies), gumang (magpie geese), dakawa (fresh water yabby), ratjuk (barramundi), warrnyu (flying fox) and more.

 

Categories: Bula'bula Arts

Name: Evonne Gayuwrri

Language: Dabi

Community: Ramingining

Biography:

Evonne Gayuwrri is an emerging painter who began her artistic journey at Bula’bula Arts in 2017. A dedicated and frequent presence in the studio, Evonne's work primarily explores themes from the wetlands and her totems. Her paintings often feature the Raypiny Dhawu (Freshwater Story), Baru Dhawu (Crocodile Story), and Ngambi (Spearhead), reflecting important cultural stories.

Coming from a family of accomplished female artists, Evonne is part of a legacy that traces back to her grandmother, one of the first recognized female painters in Arnhem Land. Her grandmother's pioneering work has paved the way for the next three generations of artists. Evonne works daily alongside her mother and aunties, and is occasionally  joined by her daughter and granddaughter, continuing the family tradition of expressing culture through art.

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© the artist / art centre