An Exhibition by Artists from Waralungku Arts in Borroloola

Four Clans is a major exhibition of works by Yanyuwa, Garrwa, Marra, and Gudanji artists supported by Waralungku Arts in Borroloola and presented at Godinymayin. Over 30 paintings and carvings will be on view in Katherine, including the centrepiece—a collaborative mural-sized canvas inspired by senior artist Jack Green and his conversations with Elders. Participating artists include Dinah Norman, Jemima Miller, Mavis Timothy, Jacky and Shauntrell Green, Benjamin Ellis, Colleen Charlie, Rhoda and Debandro Hammer, Kendrick Douglas, Marlene Timothy, Maria Pyro and Katrina McKinnnon. Most works will be for sale, and additional information about the project is below. The upcoming opening reception is free and open to all, and we invite you to join us to meet some of the Borroloola artists and view their creative work. 

“At the centre of it all is one monumental work of community and shared identity in the Northern Territory,” explains Godinymayin director Eric Holowacz. “The Four Clans canvas was made with many hands, dozens of stories, and a combined effort of unity around art. Looking at it, and discerning all of the visual ingredients and styles is a wonderful experience—and hearing the stories behind the painting is even more fascinating.”

This Four Clans project and exhibition have been generously sponsored by the McArthur River Mine Community Benefits Trust. We at Godinymayin are also grateful for the ongoing partnership with Waralungku Arts and to our principal partners the Northern Territory Government and Katherine Town Council for sustaining all of our work. In presenting this project, we acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land and region we inhabit—the Jawoyn, Wardaman and Dagoman people, and their Elders past, present, and emerging.

Four Clans—One Canvas
The Story Behind This Creative project by Yanyuwa, Garrwa, Marra, and Gudanji People

Many great visions are conceived on the veranda of an art centre. In this case, it was only a few years ago and 658 km away. In the height of the 2019 dry season, senior artist and activist Jack Green called upon trusted Elders in Borroloola to outline an idea: he described a vision of one really large painting, created with all the clans working together to add parts and tell their stories about country. From the Waralungku Arts veranda he proposed a project to bring together Yanyuwa, Garrwa, Marra, and Gudanji—and create a major new work of art to represent their connections.

Tribal Elders Dinah Norman, Jemima Miller, Mavis Timothy and Peggy Mawson Yabu agreed that this was a vision worth pursuing, and through Waralungku Arts the journey and this project began. What emerged from their collaboration is a potent symbol of the strength of creativity, identity, and shared vision. It is a look at community.  The main painting developed in the art centre over many months. Around a single canvas, important stories and knowledge were shared, relationships were strengthened, and young people came together with Elders to learn and grow.

The artists deliberately drew on both tribal culture and the European map to depict the land, features, and mythology of Borroloola—imprinting the work with both history and story. Discussions involved the past and the present, the physical and the spiritual, land and sea. Stories from the dreamtime were shared, memories from colonisation were passed on, and traditions around cultural dancing, hunting, and bush-tucker medicine were painted onto the canvas.

“Various artists would come in and continue the work at different times—sometimes in groups and sometimes on their own,” explains Waralungku Arts Manager Katrina Langdon. “When they worked together they would discuss and share stories with younger members and also with visitors. The creative process and story-telling was almost as important as the end result.”

Throughout the project, Elders guided the cultural protocols to help the artists fill the massive canvas with their knowledge and imagination. What began as a thought on a remote veranda is now proudly presented at Godinymayin and will forever stand as a unique expression of country, culture and identity—a depiction of memories, dreamings, families, and aspirations.

“The final work has been purchased from the artists by Waralungku Arts and will be on permanent display as the signature piece for our art centre,” says Landgon.  “There are lots of other outcomes for this collective painting—local highway signage will feature the image as an icon for Borroloola, large scale art prints will be for sale at the art centre, and there are other opportunities for merchandise and future extensions of the Four Clans project.”

About Waralungku Arts

Waralungku Arts (pronounced Wharr Ral Loonghu) is an indigenous art centre located in the remote town of Borroloola, Northern Territory, near the Western Gulf of Carpentaria. The non-profit organisation is fully owned and governed by Aboriginal people of the region and represents artists the from four main language groups – Yanyuwa, Garrwa, Marra and Gudanji.

Waralungku artists produce vibrant contemporary work which reflects a unique history and tradition, but also speaks of current issues and concerns for Aboriginal people. Borroloola painters and carvers continue to explore themes of community, wider political views, urgent environmental concerns, and (very often) the distinctive beauty of their surrounding landscape.  As steward of their work, Waralungku Arts ensures Fair Trade practices and ethical relationships with all artists—and art that includes contemporary painting, printmaking, sculpture, jewellery and traditional craft items. Seventy percent of all purchases goes directly the artist, whilst the remaining thirty percent is used to support new supplies and other needs of their artistic practice. Waralungku Arts is located at 191 Robinson Road in Borroloola, and the organisation can be found online at www.waralungku.com. To learn more or plan a visit, contact Waralungku Arts Centre on 08 9756718 or 047 433 2220, or by email to waralungkumanager@mabunji.com.au