This painting represents ḷatjin (the mangrove worm). The songline begins at Nyalindi, Johnny’s mother country, and extends to the islands beyond Milingimbi. Along this journey lie the mangroves where ḷatjin are found. ḷatjin is Johnny’s dreaming, though for other Yolŋu people, it is also a valued bush food.
Name: Johnny Guwana Malibirr
Community: Ramingining
Biography:
Johnny Guwana Malibirr is a young artist whose creative journey began by observing his father, uncles, and aunt painting their totem. He first picked up a brush at the age of 10 and has been painting his dhawu (story) at Bula’bula Arts since early 2025. Johnny’s work has been featured in interstate exhibitions, and he actively contributes to the community arts programs at Bula’bula Arts.
Deeply committed to his culture, Johnny spends time participating in ceremony, painting, and teaching djamarkuli (children). He continues to paint alongside his relatives at Bula’bula Arts, maintaining a strong connection to both family and tradition.
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…
Mindirr (Pandanus Bag) Miṉḏirr (dilly bags) are made from gunga (Pandanus spiralis), baḻgurr (kurrajong) and natural bush dyes. The body of the miṉḏirr is made from gunga, and the handles from baḻgurr. Once the gunga fronds and baḻgurr bark have been collected, they Read more…
Mindirr (Pandanus Bag) Miṉḏirr (dilly bags) are made from gunga (Pandanus spiralis), baḻgurr (kurrajong) and natural bush dyes. The body of the miṉḏirr is made from gunga, and the handles from baḻgurr. Once the gunga fronds and baḻgurr bark have been collected, they Read more…