Mardayin design at Mukkamukka
2003
Medium
earth pigments on Stringybark (Eucalyptus sp.)
Measurements
212.5 × 108.5 cm
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Presented through the NGV Foundation by Anita Castan, Governor, Nellie Castan, Governor, Judith and Leon Gorr, and Ricci Swart, 2003
© The artist, Licenced by Copyright Agency, Australia
Gallery location
Gallery 2
Ground Level, NGV Australia
About this work
Kuninjku artist John Mawurndjul’s oeuvre illustrates the expansive and luminous transformation the bark genre has undergone in recent times. Mawurndjul’s earlier barks employ figurative designs typical of the medium, interlaced with intricate raark. Since the 1970s and 80s, Mawurndjul has undergone a monumental shift in aesthetic and form, reflective of his rise in seniority and thus, rank. Mawurndjul explores the mardayin: sacred law, objects, localities and species. Mardayin also refers to a ceremony performed by Kuninjku peoples, and this particular work situates the mardayin at Mukkamukka, a moiety site along the Mann River. The fine cross-hatching effect (or raark) is composed with red and yellow ochres and white clay pigment, creating a hypnotic, sweeping depiction of Mukkamukka.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Milmilngkan, Northern Territory
Accession Number
2003.661
Department
First Nations Australia
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Vizard Foundation