By Biennale of Sydney
22nd Biennale of Sydney: NIRIN
Baratjala (2019) by Noŋgirrŋa MarawiliBiennale of Sydney
About the artist
Noŋgirrŋa Marawili
Born on the beach at Darrpirra, North of Cape Shield, Australia on the ocean side
As a child lived wakir’ (camping / moving around) at Maḏarrpa clan-related sites between Blue Mud Bay and Groote Eyelandt, Australia
Lives and Works at Yirrkala and Wandawuy, Australia
NIRIN at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Australia (2020)Biennale of Sydney
Baratjala
Earth pigments and recycled print toner on Stringybark
Baratjala [Pink Lightning] Installation ImageBiennale of Sydney
Lightning illuminating ocean sea spray as it smashes against large rocks, phenomena linked to Country and waters of cyclones, huge tides and ripping currents all find a place in Noŋgirrŋa Marawili’s imagery.
The artist lived nomadically as part of a clan group with a flotilla of canoes between Groote Eyelandt and the mainland.
Baratjala (2019) by Noŋgirrŋa MarawiliBiennale of Sydney
Her father’s name was Mundukul (Lightning Snake) - also the name of the serpent, known as Burrut’tji (Water Python) who lives deep beneath the sea.
The pink-toned works reflect a recent innovation – after discovering a discarded magenta print toner on her Country, Marawili began using ink from disused cartridges, reflecting Yolŋu philosophy that suggests, ‘if you paint the land you should use the land’.
Baratjala (2019) by Noŋgirrŋa MarawiliBiennale of Sydney
Her work, while not embodying sacred designs, reflects the philosophies of her Maḏarrpa clan and bears the traces of the places she moves through.
Baratjala Installation ImageBiennale of Sydney
"I paint water designs. The water. As it crashes on to the rocks at high tide. Sending the spray into the sky. Rocks which stand strong. And the waves which run and crash upon the rocks. The sea spray. This is the painting I do. You may spy on me and think that I am painting sacred things. This would be a lie."
- Noŋgirrŋa Marawili
Larrakitj Larrakitj (2019) by Noŋgirrŋa MarawiliBiennale of Sydney
In 22nd Biennale of Sydney, Marawili also presents three painted larrakitj – memorial poles made from hollow Stringybark - at the Campbelltown Arts Centre.
The poles show Marawili’s characteristically dynamic mode of painting that brings forth the interconnected energies of places, layering the tangible and intangible forces, phenomena and atmospheres of environments constantly transforming.
Tap to explore
Navigate through the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia and explore Marawili's installation. You might also like to watch the NIRIN Social Tour with Sebastian Henry-Jones, Curatorial Assistant for the 22nd Biennale of Sydney.
Tap to explore
Navigate around the painted Larrakitj poles at the Campbelltown Arts Centre and explore Marawili's art.
Museum of Contemporary Art Australia
Baratjala, 2019, earth pigments and recycled print toner on Stringybark Collection of Susan Colless, Sydney
Baratjala, 2019, earth pigments on Stringybark Arnaud Serval Collection, Switzerland
Baratjala (Pink Lightning), 2019, earth pigments and recycled print toner on Stringybark Private Collection, Melbourne
Baratjala, 2019, earth pigments and recycled print toner on Stringybark Courtesy the artist and Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre, Yirrkala
Baratjala, 2019, earth pigments and recycled print toner on Stringybark Private collection, Melbourne Baratjala, 2019, earth pigments and recycled print toner on Stringybark Carey Lyon and Jo Crosby Collection
Baratjala (Pink Lightning), 2019, earth pigments on Stringybark Courtesy the artist; Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre, Yirrkala; and Alcaston Gallery, Melbourne
Baratjala, 2019, earth pigments and recycled print toner on Stringybark Private collection, Sydney Baratjala, 2019, earth pigments and recycled print toner on Stringybark Private collection
Baratjala, 2019, earth pigments and recycled print toner on Stringybark Courtesy the artist and Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre, Yirrkala
Commissioned by the Biennale of Sydney
Campbelltown Art Centre
Larrakitj, 2019, earth pigments and recycled print toner on Stringybark
Larrakitj, 2019, earth pigments and recycled print toner on Stringybark
Larrakitj, 2019, earth pigments and recycled print toner on Stringybark
Presented at the 22nd Biennale of Sydney with generous assistance from Sue Acret and James Roth Kerry Stokes Collection, Perth
