Keith Wikmunea and Vernon Marbendinar

PROJECT
Tee’wiith yot-a! means ‘Plenty of white cockatoos!’. As an artist, Wikmunea is passionate about passing on his creative and cultural knowledge to future generations. Wikmunea’s father’s Country is Kencherang, north of Aurukun. There is a large freshwater lagoon there. During the wet season, the saltwater comes up the creek during the high tides. There is one large creek that comes into the Country which splits out into his mother’s Country called ti-tree. When the freshwater breaks out in the wet season it joins with the creek at Kencherang and connects to the saltwater.

‘These owls belong to my family on my father’s side. Nguk (owl) like to sit on trees as one family. They wait for something to move so they can have dinner. They always hunt at night-time. Minh Nguk is a totem for my people the Wik Mah’an. They are a significant part of ritual life and belong to a Story Place near Bull Yard Station. Nguk is there for all of us. It is our Puulwuy, our totem.’

– Vernon Marbendinar, 2022

ABOUT
Keith Wikmunea is a Wik-Alkan man from his mother’s side and Wik-Mungkan from his father’s side. His totems are the white cockatoo, goanna, galah and frilled-neck lizard. Wikmunea’s father’s Country is Kencherang, north of Aurukun. As an artist, Wikmunea is passionate about passing on his creative and cultural knowledge to future generations. His vision is for the Wik and Kugu Art Centre to support artists in keeping culture strong and alive.

Vernon Marbendinar is a Wik-Mungkan artist who works at the Wik and Kugu Arts Centre in Aurukun, Queensland. Marbendinar was born at Bull Yard Outstation near Aurukun, where he still lives. His father Lawrence Marbendinar taught him how to carve. His totems are dingo, snake, bowerbird and kakalan (small eagle). Marbendinar’s milkwood carvings reflect his connection to Country and his ancestors.

Purchased with funds donated by Krystyna Campbell-Pretty AM and Family, 2022

Purchased with funds donated by Barbara Hay and the Hay Family, 2022