Aboriginal art in Ramingining, Central Arnhem Land is commonly illustrated through designs and images of animals, plants, and landscape. These motifs commonly reflect the artists ancestral inheritance and their dreamings and are referred to as totems.
For this painting, has painted his mother’s totem- Maliya (sailfin dragonet)
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.
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