Mr B Black Durbuma

Mr Black is known for his depiction of the Murrungun Morning Star story and the illustration of animal totems such as: the Black-headed Python, Longneck Tortoise, Butterflies and Sawfish. Born in 1954 in Central Arnhem Land, Black was taught the art of painting by his father.

Particularly known for his sculptures of the forest mokuy, a devil like creature, Black’s sculptures received an Honourable Mention in the Australian Heritage Commission Art Award in 1993, held at Old Parliament House, Canberra.

Black created four Dupan (Hollow Logs) for the renowned 1988 Aboriginal Memorial, an installation commemorating the deaths of all indigenous people since white occupation. The installation was exhibited at the Biennial of Sydney Beneath the Southern Cross, before moving to the National Gallery of Australia as a permanent display.

Black appeared in the 1967 film Across the Top a documentary by Malcolm Douglas recording the traditional life in Arnhem Land, the Gulf of Carpentaria and Cape York. In 2005 Black made his screen debut in De Heer’s award winning film The Ten Canoes playing one of the lead canoeists. The film was a great success and aided in educating the world about the Yolngu culture in Ramingining, Central Arnhem Land.

Black was also mentioned in the 2005 Sixth Annual Smart Art Survey, as featured in Australian Art Collector (Issue 33, p.117). Noted art critic Patrick Hutchings, nominated Mr B Black for inclusion in this national survey of highly recommended artists.

Language: Ganbalbingu

“This is a Dhuwa Story. In my back country in the other side we have lots of Barramundi. This is our mother’s totem. These barramundi are a little bit salt and a little bit fresh water. The Rarrk is depicting the water, and the shape of the tail and mouth indicate that they are Barramundi. The Rarrk is the fish and the water.” – Mr B Black

This beautiful depiction of Ratjuk (Barramundi) in the animated and calligraphic style becoming synonymous with Black’s work is painted on a background of the traditional crosshatching (Rarrk) technique of North east Arnhem land. The Rarrk represents the water, abundant with fish which could be salt water or freshwater. Freshwater Barramundi with yellow/ orange eyes has a sweeter flesh than the red eyed ocean dwelling Barramundi with firmer flesh. Barramundi has always been a staple food source for Yolngu and often 40 to 50 fish are caught in a few hours, cooked in silver paper on a fire to feed the hunters. The rest are strung on vine ropes and shared with family.