Images(5)

River whale shark

Artist John Mawurndjul (1952)

Date1989

Object number00005795

NameSculpture

MediumOchre on wood

DimensionsOverall: 195 x 2330 x 230 mm, 30.5 kg

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Collections

Terms

DescriptionThis sculpture, by John Mawandjul from Maningrida, is carved from a single piece of elongated wood, is an example of a carved representation of a totemic animal typical of those used in northeastern Arnhem Land in ceremonial cycles. The surface designs are either clan design or relate to aspects of the myth in which the carved figure occurs. The colours used are natural ochres mixed with a commercial fixative and feature in a surface pattern of extensive cross hatching [rarrk] and dot decoration. HistoryToday, along the coast of Arnhem Land, carvings of birds, animals and fish as well as ancestral heroes are made by many artists. This sculpture is an example of a carved representation of a totemic animal typical of those used in northeastern Arnhem Land in ceremonial cycles. The surface designs are either clan design or relate to aspects of the myth in which the carved figure occurs. "John Mawurndjul's work has always dealt with themes of spirituality, mythology and life cycle. Ngalyod [River Serpent] has remained a central theme in his work but over the last few years he has concentrated on what appear to be more abstract works associated with the Mardayin ceremony, a now rarely performed ceremony with clan identity and mortuary themes. The Mardayin ceremony also involves the initiation of young men by showing them sacred objects and painting their chests. The direction of the cross-hatching changes constantly and unpredictably. In innovating both in the treatment of rarrk and in the iconic representation of the Mardayin themes, he expresses in a dynamic way his strong connections to the land and ancestral power. His sculptural work also incorporates Mardayin themes. He mainly concentrates on the representation of Mimih figures or Duwa moiety female creator beings called Buluwana. They comprise in their body decorations elements borrowed from Mardayin body designs and painted wooden sculptures used in the ceremony. He was one of the first Kuninjku artists to use rarrk instead of dotting patterns on his Mimih carvings, making again the path for a new trend in Kuninjku art. Always looking for new ways to express his preoccupations with land and spirituality he summarizes his artistic quest by saying My head is full up with ideas (Kohen: 2001) . " - Maningrida Arts & Culture SignificanceRiver Whale Shark is an example of a carved representation of a totemic animal typical of those used in northeastern
Arnhem Land in ceremonial cycles. The surface designs are either clan design or relate to aspects of
the myth in which the carved figure occurs.

John Mawurndjul is one of the leading Indigenous Australian artists, receiving world recognition for his work.