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Dilly Bags

This fabric was created using the linocut fabric printing technique which has been refined at Bábbarra Women’s Centre since it was introduced in the early 2000’s. 

The Lino tile is carved by the artist at Bábbarra Designs. It is printed on fabric by hand using a variety of colours and layers. The linocut technique ensures each textile is a one-off, limited edition piece.

The fabric is coloursafe and can be thrown into a washing machine. Repeated use will soften the fabric and some fading will occur over time. 

Bábbarra Women’s Centre supports the economic independence of Indigenous women in the Arnhem Land community of Maningrida, Northern Territory, Australia. Designs created by the women at Bábbarra reflect strong cultural knowledge, which is passed down to younger generations through their textile design practice.

‘Themes in our artwork almost exclusively come from our Country and cultural connection. The deep relationship we have with the land and seas of our customary clan estates strongly defines and governs the social, cultural, spiritual and territorial aspects of our lives.’ Bábbarra Designs Artist Statement

Categories: Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation

Name: Rosanna Bonson

Language: Kuninjku

Community: Maningrida

Biography:

Rosanna Bonson is the daughter of artist, Raylene Bonson and has been working at Babbarra Women’s centre since she was a little girl. She was inspired by the artwork of her late grandmother, Nancy Gununwanga who was a senior textile designer and founding member of Babbarra Women’s Centre.

Rosanna first design is a 2 colour waterlily design. Wayuk (waterlily) grow in the swamps around Barrihdjowkkeng.

‘The flowers of the waterlily are white and yellow and I like that kind of colour.’

‘I always follow the footpath of my grandmother. I have too many stories of my grandmother. We went to the bush and ate bushtucker like yam, yabbie, barra, catfish and magpie goose. We didn’t come into town often, we were staying at Barrihdjowkkeng outstation. I learned how the old people used to live. I always think about my family out there and I keep going. My grandmother asked me to work with her for many years. I watched her making lino and screen printing. That’s why I stay in this job and I’m for the women’s centre’.  Roseanna Bonson

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© the artist / art centre