Marrawuddi Art Centre Mural

Jabiru, Northern Teriitory

A 3-week Collaboration with Abel Naborlhborlh, Graham Rostron, Ayasha Alderson, Nonica Hardy, Selone Djandjomerr, Rosie Munjadi and Ray Munjadi. Working together we came up with this design using the colour palette of natural dyes used for weaving with pandanus in this region.

Looking at this mural you can see a forest of animals and symbols from this region. The Namargon (middle left) is lightning man by Selone. Namargon is a creation spirit, responsible for lightning storms, he has axes on his knees and elbows that split the clouds to create lightening. Wrapping around the side is the Yawk Yawk by Graham, a female water spirit that are guardians of sacred waterholes. They turn into dragonflies at the end of the wet season, which signifies to bininj (aboriginal people) that the wet season has finished. The Magpie Goose by Nonica Hardy, Honey Ants by Ayasha Alderson represent her family Totem, and the Thylacine blending in to the background by Selone Djandjomerr, reflects on the rock art locally where you can find a Thylacine up top on a cave wall.

This opportunity was made possible by Marrawuddi art gallery, Mirrar country, Gundjhemi corporation, Mahbilill festival.