Artists statement

Nonggirrnga Marawili is a Madarrpa elder whose work is recognisable for its highly sophisticated use of line, crosshatched motifs and designs from both her ancestral clans as well as observations of the everyday. Marawili’s organic patterns reflect an ingrained and innate understanding of her culture, history and environment. Often imposing, her works are consistently innovative, confidently executed, and highly refined.

Mundukul, or Lightning Snake, painted in natural ochres on bark, can be understood as ‘lightning being sworn across the landscape by the serpent, who resides in the same water as the rock which is driving sea spray into the air. The ‘nets’ of diamond shaped lines echo the classic miny’tji, clan designs of the saltwater estate of Yathikpa.

In 2015 Marawili was awarded the Telstra Bark Painting Award at the prestigious Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards.