Barumada

Date1987

Object number00004615

NameSilk screen-print

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 565 x 382 mm
Sheet: 565 x 382 mm
Display Dimensions: 565 x 382 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection

Terms

screen printing

DescriptionSilk screen print by artist Banduk Marika titled 'Barumada' featuring two crocodiles. Banduk Marika is a prominent Yolngu artist in Yirrkala, Eastern Arnhem Land, and one of the first Yolngu women to be encouraged by their male relatives to paint ancestral creation stories. HistoryBanduk Marika is a Yolngu printmaker from Yirrkala in northeast Arnhem Land and one of the earliest Yolngu artists to gain wide recognition for her work. Raised on a Yirrkala mission in northeast Arnhem Land in the 1950s, Banduk was initially taught traditional bark painting by her father, artist Mawalan Marika. While this was skill traditionally only carried out by men, Banduk and her sisters were encouraged to paint the ancestral creation stories of their clan. Over time Banduk transferred her skills to linoprint. Banduk became increasingly aware of the environmental issues of East Arnhem land and in 1992 became involved with the Dhimurru Land Management Aboriginal Corporation. She also established the Mawalan 1 Gamarrwa Nuwul Association to manage Rirratjingu lands. In 2020 Banduk received an OA and was the NT Senior Australian of the Year as an artist, cultural activist and environmental adviser. SignificanceBanduk Marika is one of the first Yolngu printmakers from northeast Arnhem Land and has been able to use her skills to become an enviromental and cultural advocate for the Yolngu people.