installation view: Tarnanthi 2019 featuring Djapu by Noŋgirrŋa Marawili, Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide;; photo: Saul Steed.
Noŋgirrŋa Marawili
Explore environment, place and colour
Leading Yolŋu artist Noŋgirrŋa Marawili was born in 1939 at Darrpirra, north of Djarrakpi (Cape Shield) and today lives in Yirrkala in north-east Arnhem Land. Using organic shapes, natural and synthetic materials, Marawili reflects her understanding of her culture, history and environment in her bark paintings, prints and larrakitj (painted hollow logs).
Documenting sites on Country, Marawili captures the atmospheric effects of wind, water and lightning using residual magenta ink from cast-off printer cartridges mixed with natural pigments.
Marawili also draws inspiration from Baratjala (a Madarrpa clan estate adjacent to Djarrakpi) where she camped as a child with her father.
Getting Started
Bring Noŋgirrŋa Marawili into the classroom
Noŋgirrŋa Marawili, Madarrpa clan, Yolŋu people, Northern Territory, born c.1938, Darrpirra, Northern Territory, Lightning, 2017, Yirrkala, Northern Territory, earth pigments on stringybark (Eucalyptus tetrodonta), 214.0 x 77.0 cm; Acquisition through Tarnanthi: Festival of Contemporary Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art supported by BHP 2018, Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide.
Place and Environment
Be inspired by atmospheric effects
Making & Responding
Create a unique stencil inspired by Noŋgirrŋa Marawili
Education Resources
Download our full Noŋgirrŋa Marawili resource for more ideas for the classroom