COMMUNIYT SPOTLIGHT : MOWANJUM & THE WANDJINA: NEW WORKS FROM THE STOCKROOM

The community of Mowanjum is located in the Kimberley in Western Australia, consisting of three language tribes; Worrorra, Ngarinyin and Wunumbal. The artists here predominately paint Wandjina, a rain and cloud creation spirit integral to the region. The Wandjina has a special place in Australian art history and culture. It is one of the most recognisable images that has come from Australian art, and was re-created in impressive fashion for the 2000 Sydney Olympics by Mowanjum artist Donny Woolagoodja (dec).

The iconic Wandjina can be seen in collections all over the world. It is present in rock art from northwestern Australia dating back to approximately 4000 years, making it one of the oldest forms of artistic expression in the world. Selected artists repaint the Wandjina rock art in their country every year, to preserve them and to ensure the monsoon rains will come. Today's Spotlight celebrates a number of Kimberley artists whose work is keeping the culture and spirit of the Wandjina alive, and we invite you to view the artworks via the link below or image above.