Marrngunj is the Kuninjku name for catfish. Catfish get their name from sensory barbels around the mouth which resemble a cat’s whiskers. Marrngunj specifically refers to the ‘eel-tailed’ catfish, a reference to its long tapering tail.
This screen print artwork was painted in the style of her father, George Kurrawurr, George was a bark painter. George was a Djinang speaker from Murwangi Outstation. sp?
Marrngunj is the Kuninjku name for catfish. Catfish get their name from sensory barbels around the mouth which resemble a cat’s whiskers. Marrngunj specifically refers to the ‘eel-tailed’ catfish, a reference to its long tapering tail.
This screen print artwork was painted in the style of her father, George Kurrawurr, George was a bark painter. George was a Djinang speaker from Murwangi Outstation. sp?
Marrngunj is the Kuninjku name for catfish. Catfish get their name from sensory barbels around the mouth which resemble a cat’s whiskers. Marrngunj specifically refers to the ‘eel-tailed’ catfish, a reference to its long tapering tail.
This screen print artwork was painted in the style of her father, George Kurrawurr, George was a bark painter. George was a Djinang speaker from Murwangi Outstation. sp?
Marrngunj is the Kuninjku name for catfish. Catfish get their name from sensory barbels around the mouth which resemble a cat’s whiskers. Marrngunj specifically refers to the ‘eel-tailed’ catfish, a reference to its long tapering tail.
This screen print artwork was painted in the style of her father, George Kurrawurr, George was a bark painter. George was a Djinang speaker from Murwangi Outstation. sp?
TITLE Au-gujechiya
YEAR 2022
MEDIUM Screen print
DETAILS 2 screen
Au-gujechiya means fishtrap in the Burrarra language which is one of the traditional languages spoken in the Maningrida region. Elizabeth’s homeland is Gupanga, Arnhem Land which located on a saltwater estuary, a great place for catching fish.
Elizabeth obtained permission from her djunkay to create a screen print design about a historic object traditionally used to trap fish in rivers, creeks, and estuaries.
In the early wet season, fish swim upstream for breeding in creeks and billabongs, then downstream to spend the dry season in larger rivers. The traps would be set to face the oncoming fish, with woven fencing either side. Within the mouth of the trap is a woven funnel that guides the fish in and prevents their escape. The clever design ensures that only adult fish are caught as smaller fish can escape through the weaving or even through the funnel. The fish that are caught can survive in the trap for up to two months. Once the trap is removed, the end is untied to remove the fish. This sustainable design means the trap can be used again and again.
TITLE Au-gujechiya
YEAR 2022
MEDIUM Screen print
DETAILS 2 screen
Au-gujechiya means fishtrap in the Burrarra language which is one of the traditional languages spoken in the Maningrida region. Elizabeth’s homeland is Gupanga, Arnhem Land which located on a saltwater estuary, a great place for catching fish.
Elizabeth obtained permission from her djunkay to create a screen print design about a historic object traditionally used to trap fish in rivers, creeks, and estuaries.
In the early wet season, fish swim upstream for breeding in creeks and billabongs, then downstream to spend the dry season in larger rivers. The traps would be set to face the oncoming fish, with woven fencing either side. Within the mouth of the trap is a woven funnel that guides the fish in and prevents their escape. The clever design ensures that only adult fish are caught as smaller fish can escape through the weaving or even through the funnel. The fish that are caught can survive in the trap for up to two months. Once the trap is removed, the end is untied to remove the fish. This sustainable design means the trap can be used again and again.
‘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 2021
Roseanna’s first design is a 2 colour waterlily design. Wayuk (waterlily) *kuninjki grow in the swamps around Barrihdjowkkeng.
‘The flowers of the waterlily are white and yellow and I like that kind of colour.’ Roseanna Bonson 2021
‘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 2021
Roseanna’s first design is a 2 colour waterlily design. Wayuk (waterlily) *kuninjki grow in the swamps around Barrihdjowkkeng.
‘The flowers of the waterlily are white and yellow and I like that kind of colour.’ Roseanna Bonson 2021
‘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 2021
Roseanna’s first design is a 2 colour waterlily design. Wayuk (waterlily) *kuninjki grow in the swamps around Barrihdjowkkeng.
‘The flowers of the waterlily are white and yellow and I like that kind of colour.’ Roseanna Bonson 2021
A detailed lino print design depicting a sea turtle surrounded by sea shells.
Elizabeth is from the Burrarra language group and her homeland is Gupanga, Arnhem Land.