KULABBARL (BILLABONG)
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Fine- lined ochre paintings on paper by 15 artists from Injalak Arts, West Arnhem Land. Featured is the plants and wildlife that lives around billabongs of the area - including flying foxes, brolgas, ibis, water goanna, honey eaters, long neck turtles, magpie geese and water lilies.
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Injalak Arts is based in Gunbalunya, an Aboriginal community of 1200 in the lush and fertile ‘stone country’ of West Arnhem Land, NT and near the Kakadu National Park. Injalak has been a centre for art, craft and community since its opening in 1989. In Kunwinjku - the language of Injalak artists - the word “Injalak” means shelter. With 200 active member artists – painters, weavers and craftspeople - Injalak art is inspired by connection to culture, country and people. Please note: • All works in the exhibition are ochre on paper • Those already framed are noted as such with price of frame included in the listed price • We are happy to provide a price and to organise framing for unframed works
Front: Graham Badari, Kulabbarl (Billabong ) Images © The artists Published by Everywhen Artspace, 2022
INNOVATION WITHIN TRADITION Contemporary paintings on paper from Injalak Arts
Through the paintings of 15 Kunwinjku artists from Injalak Arts, Gunbalanya, Arnhem Land, the exhibition Kulabbarl or Billabong, features images of the rich variety of plants and wildlife supported by the lush billabong country of central Arnhem Land. The artists' countries encompass the world-heritage listed Kakadu National Park, The images that we see today, are directly descended from the tens of thousands of years of image making on rock walls by their forebears. Artists include senior founding artists of their art centre of Injalak - Gabriel Maralangurra , Michael Nabororlhborth, Thommo Nganjimirra, Freddie Nadjamerrerk, and Don Namundja, whose immediate forebears are some of the most well-known and revered figurative painters of the stone country of central west Arnhem Land. The works of the younger generation such as Ezariah Kelly, Gavin Namarnyilk , Joey Nganjmirra, Maath Malarangurra, Nelson Nayolbidj, Willie Nabulwad and Elaine Naroldol and the innovative images of senior artist Joe Guymal demonstrate the many new interpretations of this ancient culture being made today. Notable are the 12 paintings by 59-year-old Graham Badari. With their fine balance of innovation and tradition in which birds and animals emerge from dense patterns of leaves and bush or are depicted in clear, fine line work, Badari's distinctive images place him, with the other artists in this exhibition at the forefront of today's artistic practice from the stone country of central west Arnhem Land. Susan McCulloch March 2022
EXHIBITING ARTISTS Don Nakidilinj Namundja
Joe Guymala
Elaine Naroldol
Joey Nganjmirra
Ezariah Kelly
Maath Maralngurra
Freddie Nadjawulu Nadjamerrek
Michael Naborlhborlh
Gabriel Maralngurra
Nelson Nayilibidj
Gavin Namarnyilk
Thommo Nganjmirra
Graham Badari
Willie Nabulwad
Elaine Naroldol, Mandem (Water Lily), 41 x 61 cm, MM5568 | $1300 (framed)
Ezariah Kelly, Kurrung (Dry Season), 51 x 76 cm, MM556 | $1560 (framed)
Freddie Nadjawulu Nadjamerrek, Barrk (Black Walllaro), 51 x 76 cm, MM 45543 | $2500
Freddie Nadjawulu Nadjamerrek, Ngurrurddu (Emu), 76 x 102 cm. MM5554 | $2300
Gabriel Maralngurra, Water Birds, 76 x 51 cm, MM5547 | $ 2900
Gavin Namarnyilk, Lambalk (Sugar Gliders) 76 x 51 cm | MM5540 | $ 2700 (framed)
Maath Maralngurra, Lambalk (Sugar Gliders) 61 x 46 cm , MM5541 | $1750 (framed)
Maath Maralngurra, Nawaran (Oenpelli Python) 61 x 46 cm , MM5545 | $ 1750 (framed)
Gavin Namarnyilk, Mayh Kuwarddewaken (Stone Country Animals), 51 x 76 cm, MM5555 | $2700 (framed)
Graham Badari, Namarnkol (Barramundi, 51 x 76 cm, MM5552 | $3200 (framed)
Don Nakidilinj Namundja, Burarr (Water Goanna)
Gabriel Maralngurra, Kurdukadjo (Emu)
61 x 41 cm, MM5562 | $1300.
61 x 41cm, MM5544 $2300
Maath Marlalngurra, Ngalmangiyi Djang (Long-Necked
Thommo Nganjmirra, Namarnkel – Barramundi
Turtle Dreaming, 62 x 46 cm, MM5541 | $1400
61 x 41 cm, MM5553 | $1200
Graham Badari, Kardabaibai (Darter) catching Manmakkawarri (Catfish) at the Kulabbarl (Billabong), Kurraguyangguyang (Jacana) on Mandem (Lilypads), 41 x 61 cm, MM5560 | $2200
Graham Badari, Manmakkawarri (Catfish) and Kodbolbork (Green Frog) , 41 x 61 cm, MM5563 | $1850
Graham Badari, Kikkik (Honey Eaters), 31 x 105 cm, MM55569 | $3200 (framed)
Graham Badari, Kangaroo Fighting,
Graham Badari, Kolobarr (Antilopine Kangaroo) and
76 x 51 cm, MM5549 | $2900
Ngarrbek (Echidna), 102 x 38 cm., MM5551 | $2900
Graham Badari, Kernalk, (Ibis), 41 x 61 cm, MM5569 | $ 2460 (framed)
Graham Badari, Mibbar (White bellied Sea Eagle) , 41 x 61 cm, MM5571 | $2460 (framed)
Graham Badari, Mandarduk (Red Apple), 102 x 76 cm, MM5566 | $4500 (framed)
Graham Badari, Ngalkordow (Brolga), 76 x 51 cm, MM5564 | $2900
Graham Badari, Yawk Yawk (Water Spirit). 51 x 76 cm | MM5548 | $3200 (framed)
Joe Guymala, Kernak ( Ibis) 41 x 61 cm, MM5567 | $1500
Joe Guymala, Kunj (Kangaroo) 76 x 51 cm , MM5542 | $2400
Joey Nganjmirra , Ngalyod (Rainbow Serpent) 51 x 76 cm. MM5550 | $ 1600 (framed)
Michael Naborlhborlh, Kulabbarl (Billabong), 51 x 76 cm , MM5559 | $1400
Nelson Nayilibidj, Kudjaborrng, 51 x 76 cm, MM5559 | $1400
Willie Nabulwad, Manimunak, (Magpie Goose) , 41 x 61 cm., MM5546 | $1400
Willie Nabulwad, Kunkurra Djang (Wind Dreaming), 41 x 61 cm, MM5546 | $1400
DON NAKIDILINJ NAMUNDJA
ELAINE NAROLDOL
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Clan Kardbam Social Affiliations Yirridjdja (moiety) Nawakadj Language Kunwinjku Outstation/Country Mankorlod Region Gunbalanya, Western Arnhem Land, NT Don is one of Western Arnhem Land’s most senior and respected artists. Don fondly remembers painting in the stone country with some of its most recognized artists including Bardayal ‘Lofty’ Nadjamerrek and Kalarriya ‘Jimmy’ Namarnyilk. Don had his first solo exhibition in 2004. Nicholas Rothwell wrote in the Australian, "By any standards this debut exhibition is worthy of sustained attention in the national media." The freshness of Don's paintings prompted the National Gallery of Australia to acquire two works from the RAFT Artspace in Darwin. He was selected for the prestigious National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards in Darwin in 2003, 2005, 2006 and more recently in 2014. Don lives in Gunbanya (Oenpelli) in Western Arnhem Land and can often be found painting under the verandah at Injalak Arts.
Born 1971 Clan Dukurrdji Social Affiliations Yirridjdja (moiety) Ngalwakadj Language Kunwinjku Outstation/Country Region Gunbalanya, Western Arnhem Land, NT Elaine is a fantastic artist with an exceptionally fine line. She is married to Dennis Naroldol, nee Bonson.
EZARIAH KELLY
FREDDIE NADJAMERREK
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Born: 1982 Clan: Mirradja Social Affiliations: Duwa (moiety) Nabangardi Language: Rembarrnga Region: Gunbalanya, Western Arnhem Land, NT
Clan Mok Social Affiliations Duwa (moiety) Nangarridj Language Kunwinjku Outstation/Country Region Gunbalanya, Western Arnhem Land, NT
Ezariah Kelly is one of Injalak's most exciting emerging artists. His work has featured in group exhibitions in Darwin, Melbourne and Perth. His style characterised by bold lines, a strong sense of design and high visual impact.
Freddie Nadjamerrek is the son of Bardayal 'Lofty' and Mary Nadjamerrek. His style is reminiscent of his late father, the prominent artist of the Mok clan in Western Arnhem Land, who passed down his knowledge of land, culture and painting to his children and grandchildren. Like his father, Freddie utilises the single line rarrk that has adorned the rocky caverns and galleries of the stone country for centuries.
He is a keen hunter and fisherman with an eye for environmental phenomena, and his work often features inventive themes from the natural world and vignettes of everyday traditional life. Recently he has begun working exclusively in natural ochres, and his compositions and colours have taken on a more delicate aesthetic with fine figures and lighter colours.
GABRIEL MARALNGURRA
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Born 1968 Clan Ngalangbali Social Affiliations Yirridjdja (moiety), Nawakadj Language Kunwinjku Outstation/Country Kudjekbinj Region Gunbalanya, Western Arnhem Land, NT Gabriel Maralngurra was among the founding members of Injalak Arts in the late 1980s, and continues to be a driving force behind the art centre. Painting at Injalak since 1989 Gabriel's artistic practice is reflected in the breadth and depth of the subjects he paints, his fluent linework and highly original compositions. Maralngurra's work can be seen in periods, both in terms of style and subject matter, as he explores one artistic avenue after another. However behind this tireless experimentation his own confident and fluid style is unmistakeable, always balancing studied naturalism with a strong sense of design and stylisation. He attributes much of his artistic education to senior painter Thompson Yulidjirri in the early days of Injalak. He is continually inspired by the rock art of West Arnhem Land, always referencing and working within this artistic tradition while pursuing formal innovations and new designs.
Gabriel’s knowledge of stories, plants and animals gives him a wide range expressive material. His work has also explored the contact period in the Gunbalanya area, culminating in a solo exhibition 'Contact' at Mossenson Galleries in Melbourne in 2006. He is an ambassador and mediator for Kunwinjku culture, having worked many years as a tour guide, Kunwinjku-English translator, Injalak board member and president, screenprinter and travelling widely around Australia for openings and launches. He is currently Co-Manager of Injalak. In September 1995 he travelled to Shanghai to represent the art centre at an Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Exhibition of paintings from Injalak. As a founder, it is in large part Maralngurra's vision and belief in the mission of the art centre that has allowed it to carry on and thrive. He has helped create a place where the Art History of West Arnhem Land can be continued, developed, experienced by others and apprenticed to younger generations. In January 2020, Gabriel undertook a residency at the Kluge Ruhe Collection in Virginia while he opened two exhibitions of work.
GAVIN NAMARNYILK
GRAHAM BADARI
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Born 1987 Clan Mayirrgulidj Social Affiliations Yirridjdja (moiety) Nakamarrang Language Kunwinjku Region Gunbalanya, Western Arnhem Land, NT Gavin has been painting at Injalak Arts since 2006. His style is reminiscent of his grandfather, the late Bardayal ‘Lofty’ Nadjamerrek, the prominent artist of western Arnhem Land, who passed down his knowledge of land, culture and painting to his children and grandchildren. Like his grandfather, Gavin utilises the single line rarrk that has adorned the rocky caverns and galleries of the region for centuries. Gavin Namarnyilk is the son of Rhonda Nadjamerrek and Japhet Garnarradj.
Born: 1963 Birth place: Gunbalanya, NT Clan: Wardjak Social Affiliations: Duwa (moiety), Nabulanj Language: Kunwinjku RegionGunbalanya, Western Arnhem Land, NT Graham Badari's country is Maburrinj, in the rocky escarpment country about 120 kilometres east of Gunbalanya. He draws artistic inspiration from this environment and also paints the Dreamings of his Mother Country, Djurlka, where he spent time as a young man near the outstation of Marmardawerre. He was raised by the renowned artist Djawida Nadjongorle, but like many of the artists at Gunbalanya credits the late Thompson Yulidjirri as his greatest artistic influence. From these senior men, Badari learnt the fluid and dynamic figurative style that defines Kunwinjku painting at Injalak Arts. He began painting sporadically around 1990, but has since become part of a group of dedicated and innovative artists at Gunbalanya. His paintings show the influence of the visual language of their rock-art heritage, while remaining committed to artistic innovation. It is this beguiling balance of tensions, innovation and tradition, ancient and modern, beauty and terror, that energises Badari’s paintings
JOE GUYMALA
JOEY NGANJMIRRA
Born 1969 Clan Burdoh Social Affiliations Duwa (moiety) Nabulanj Language Kunwinjku Outstation/Country Manmoyi Region Gunbalanya, Western Arnhem Land, NT
Clan Djalama Social Affiliations Yirridjdja (moiety) Nawamud Language Kunwinjku Outstation/Country Marlwon Region Gunbalanya, Western Arnhem Land, NT
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Joe Guymala lives and works in Gunbalanya. He frequently spends time Manmoyi, his outstation in Western Arnhemland and is the grandson of Namerredje (John) Guymala. He has toured nationally as a musican with Nabarlek Band and Mimih Band and helped to write many songs with his knowledge of traditional stories and country. Guymala's work is often playful and documents his contemporary day to day life out bush, he also acknowledges his forefather’s paintings in the rock shelters of Arnhem Land as a great source of inspiration. Joe works exclusively in natural ochre's using 'Manyilk' a thin grass brush to apply line after line, layer after layer to create his very powerful and unique compositions. In January 2020, Joe Guymala went on a residency at the Kluge Ruhe Collection in Virginia and opened two exhibitions in the town.
Joey Nganjmirra is a storyteller, dancer and cultural ambassador and one of the younger generation who are committed to carrying on stories. The son of Rachael Manakgu and Steven Nganjmirra, many of his works are driven by narrative, with figures in different stages of a story compressed into a single scene. Others include strong graphic forms, often overlayed and woven into complex designs. His works are primarily figurative, but the interlocking figures sometimes tend towards abstraction and he also produces abstract works based on ceremonial patterns. A look through his works reveals a broad range of stories and original compositions rivalled by few other artists at Injalak. His Mamam (maternal grandfather) Mirndabal Manakgu was from Mangardubu, and he has many stories from this area north of Gunbalanya such as Wulwunj. Joey Nganjmirra is part of a rich artistic family (Nganjmirra) and clan group (Djalama). He is a member of the Karrbarda dance troupe which often performs at festivals as well as local ceremonies.
MAATH MALARANGURRA
MICHAEL NABORORLHBORTH
Born 1986 Clan Ngalangbali Social Affiliations Yirridjdja (moiety) Nakamarrang Language Kunwinjku Outstation/Country Kudjekbinj Region Gunbalanya, Western Arnhem Land, NT
Clan Burdoh Social Affiliations Duwa (moiety) Nabulanj Language Kunwinjku Outstation/Country Manmoyi Region Gunbalanya, Western Arnhem Land, NT
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As a young man Maath lived and worked at Kabulwarnamyo, his mother’s country, where he was involved in the Wardekken Ranger group which plays an integral role in the management of country in Western Arnhem Land. This intimate experience of country and the natural world is reflected in his work, which continues and develops the tradition of his late grandfather, Lofty Bardayal Nadjamerrek. In 2009 he was part of a group exhibition titled '30 Under 30: A New Generation of Indigenous Art' at Indigenart in Melbourne and Subiaco. In December 2010 he was commissioned to paint a wall painting for the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney as part of exhibition Bardayal Nadjamerrek AO (along with other members of his family). Maath's style combines bold shapes with extremely fine rarrk (hatching). His style is instantly recognisable, while still firmly within the rock art tradition that his country of Kabulwarnamyo is famous for.
Michael Naborlhborlh grew up in Gunbalanya and is a founding member of Injalak Arts. One of the original screenprinters at Injalak, working alongside Gabriel Maralngurra, Ted Naborlhborlh and others, they set up the screenprinting facility with adult educator Wendy Kennedy in a shed across the road from the council office. When the Injalak building was constructed in 1989, they moved over. At this point he also became more heavily involved in painting and began leading tours of Injalak Hill. Michael has worked as a ranger for Warddeken at Manmoyi and Kabulwarnamyo. He worked in bushfire prevention and feral pig culling. He then worked with the outstation resource centre Demed, providing support to outstations with activities such as food deliveries, road building and house construction. From 2009 he worked with Earth Connect and Territory Alliance constructing houses in Gunbalanya. Michael paints in the classic kunwinjku style of single-line rarrk (hatching) that has been practised on the rock walls of west Arnhem Land for centuries. Michael has a well-honed sense of composition and form, and his meticulous rarrk imparts an almost shimmering quality to his paintings.
NELSON NAYOLIBIDJ
THOMMO NGANJMIRRA
Clan Dulmangkarr Social Affiliations Duwa (moiety) Nakodjok Language Kunwinjku Outstation/Country Kunburray Region Gunbalanya, Western Arnhem Land, NT
Clan Djalama Social Affiliations Yirridjdja (moiety) Nawamud Language Kunwinjku Outstation/Country Marlwon Region Gunbalanya, Western Arnhem Land, NT
Nelson Nayilibidj is named after his grandfather (mawah, father's father), Nelson Maldjiwa Nayilibidj. His work is striking in its originality and experimentation with rarrk patterns, forms, washes and composition.
Thommo Nganjmirra is senior artist at Injalak and a consummate draftsman, depicting the Kunwinjku natural world and its stories with fidelity and meticulous skill.
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Nayilibidj usually prefers working with natural ochres, and often chooses unusual natural pigments such as lemon yellow which are not often used by others. He also produces bold acrylic compositions on paper. He often paints the Dreamings and animals from his homeland of Kunburrayi, in the Stone Country downstream from Kabulwarnamyo.
Having begun painting as a young man, his work has by now developed an elegant ease that flows from his mastery of manyilk (the traditional sedge brush) and his instinctive compositional sense. His fine linework is almost delicate at times, but overall his style is one of classic refinement and balance. With his extensive knowledge of the rock art adorning the caves of Injalak Hill, Thompson is one of Injalak’s most highly regarded tour guides. He comes from an artistic family; he is the son of Jimmy Nakurrudjilmi Nganjmirra and brother of Robin Nganjmirra. His mother is Mary Nganjmirra.
WILLIE NABULWAD
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Clan: Mardjawarr Social Affiliations: Duwa (moiety) Nabangardi Language: Kunwinjku Region: Gunbalanya, Western Arnhem Land, NT Willie Nabulwad is the son of Doreen Nalorlman and Nanguluwa Nabulwad. Willie paints almost exclusively in ochre and his subjects are often manme (bush foods) and native plants that grow around Gunbalanya. Willie is a regular artist at Injalak Arts and when he isn't painting he can often be found guiding tours around the art centre and the rock art galleries on Injalak Hill.
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