Seasons and Time

Nyangulya Katie Nalgood

No clock, only birds. Nyangulya Katie Nalgood has a deep connection to birds. Rather than relying on clocks, her days align with nature.

"Birds are the first things we see, you know, when we wake up. Birds are like roosters to us, they wake us up in the morning. And when the sun goes down they go to sleep and we go to sleep.” - Katie Nalgood, Spinifex Hills Studio

How do you start and end the day? Draw the first things you see and hear when you wake and the last thing before bed.

Nalgood’s favourite bird is theJini Pirrin (Willywag Tail). They are messengers for her side of the family and appear at significant times. Do you have a favourite bird, or animal? Nalgood often names the birds she paints, giving them a personal identity. Draw a picture of your favourite wild animal and give it a name.

Select one of Nalgood’s paintings taking note of the title. Write a short story featuring the birds in the painting. Who are these birds, what are they doing there, and where are they going next?

Listen to A Littler Yarn with Nyangulya Katie Nalgood

Djakaŋu Yunupiŋu

Djakangu Yunupingu paints primarily on bark, which is collected seasonally, left to dry and flattened before being prepared for painting. What are some things that you look forward to in each season? For example, picking fruit, going skiing, lighting a campfire, playing sport. Draw the things you are most looking forward to in your favourite season.

Find out more about Djakaŋu Yunupiŋu.

Listen to A Littler Yarn with Djakangu Yunupingu

Injalak Arts

The dyes used to create the works in Colour country are made from plants found in the natural environment of West Arnhem Land at certain times of the year. What colours do you see in the landscape where you live? Do you have a favourite colour? How many works of art in this gallery feature your favourite colour. Document these works of art and find out more about them when you return home.

Find out more about Injalak Arts.