DJANG : Ivan Namirrkki, Paul Nabulumo Namarinjmak & Obed Namirrkki
Current exhibition
Arnhem Land, located in Australia's Northern Territory, is renowned for its rich culture and artistic traditions. One of the most distinctive art forms to emerge from this region is Rarrk painting, which involves intricate cross-hatching patterns done on sheets of bark or sculptures. These paintings often depict stories from the Djang (Dreaming), spiritual beliefs passed down through generations. Short St Gallery is honoured to present DJANG featuring bark paintings and Lorrkons from Ivan Namirrkki, Paul Nabulumo Namarinjmak and Obed.
Ivan Namirrki is a highly acclaimed artist from Arnhem Land known for his skilful use of colour and design using traditional rarrking and on bark. His place has been acknowledged extensively in the artwork world including in his recent inclusion in the 2024 Sulman Award. "I am a proud traditional owner who is happy to inform my peoples of our future in telling stories around the world. We are thinking about our history, always thinking as we are creating and learning, and my family put their stories on some bark and some rocks here in this country. This is important to me and the people of this community, so that this story can keep me strong story, one that is passed on for future generations," Ivan Namirrkki.
Paul Nabulumo Namarinjmak is revered for his skill in depicting Djang (Dreaming), His paintings feature sacred symbols, totemic animals, and spiritual landscapes that hold deep meaning within his culture. His art practice serves as a visual language through which ancient traditions are passed from one generation to the next, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage in a contemporary world.
Another notable art form from this region is Lorrkon, hollow log coffins adorned with intricate carvings representing ancestral spirits. Ivan’s son Obed captures the cultural significance and artistic mastery of these traditional forms in an astonishing form of creativity and storytelling. Short St Gallery invites you to join us in celebrating this powerful exhibition.
Ivan Namirrki is a highly acclaimed artist from Arnhem Land known for his skilful use of colour and design using traditional rarrking and on bark. His place has been acknowledged extensively in the artwork world including in his recent inclusion in the 2024 Sulman Award. "I am a proud traditional owner who is happy to inform my peoples of our future in telling stories around the world. We are thinking about our history, always thinking as we are creating and learning, and my family put their stories on some bark and some rocks here in this country. This is important to me and the people of this community, so that this story can keep me strong story, one that is passed on for future generations," Ivan Namirrkki.
Paul Nabulumo Namarinjmak is revered for his skill in depicting Djang (Dreaming), His paintings feature sacred symbols, totemic animals, and spiritual landscapes that hold deep meaning within his culture. His art practice serves as a visual language through which ancient traditions are passed from one generation to the next, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage in a contemporary world.
Another notable art form from this region is Lorrkon, hollow log coffins adorned with intricate carvings representing ancestral spirits. Ivan’s son Obed captures the cultural significance and artistic mastery of these traditional forms in an astonishing form of creativity and storytelling. Short St Gallery invites you to join us in celebrating this powerful exhibition.