Gunybi Ganambarr / Ngaymil people / Australia b.1973 / Nganmarra 2015 / Etched and polished water tank galvanised steel with paint / 179 x 120cm / Purchased 2015 in memory of David Barnett through the QAGOMA Foundation / Collection: QAGOMA / © Gunybi Ganambarr

Gunybi Ganambarr
Nganmarra 2015

Not Currently on Display

For Nganmarra 2015, Gunybi Ganambarr has used a panel from a disused galvanised iron water tank from where he lives in Gangan in the Northern Territory. He has incised Ngaymil clan designs into the surface of the unbolted panel. Nganmarra carries the design of the Ngaymil/Datiwuy clans’ reservoirs that occur between the Gurrumuru and Cato Rivers, which run into Arnhem Bay.

Within this area is a watercourse leading into a sacred area of a freshwater spring (Milngurr), with special qualities called Darrawuy. In the cyclical nature of death and life, Yolngu souls are both delivered to and from this point between real and spiritual worlds. In the lagoon formed by the overflowing spring swim Djanda (sacred goannas), their movements creating patterns on the water’s surface.

Djanda, Wang’kawu (water goanna) and Gudurrku (brolga) are manifestations of the Djang’kawu sisters hidden within the water plants. Brolga footprints seen late in the Arnhem Land dry season trace the Djang’kawu journey as they created the wells containing Dhuwa moiety souls; the cross-hatched shape dominating the work is their special woven bag.

Gunybi Ganambarr’s 12 years’ experience of house-building at his remote home allows him to appreciate the potential in various materials. Ganambarr exemplifies the confidence and cultural assertion of the new experimental Yolngu art, however, he remains firmly guided and influenced by his elders and senior artists, such as Djambawa Marawili and Wanyubi Marika.

Gunybi lives mostly on his mother’s country at Gangan, though he occasionally bases himself at Dhuruputjpi Outstation, as the creative environment in these communities provides him with inspiration for his unique artistic style. Ganambarr shares sacred stories and knowledge from his mother’s Yirritja moiety and the Dhuwa moiety to which he belongs, including performing ceremonial Yidaki.

 

Discussion Questions

What role does water play in understanding the context of this work?

Classroom Activities

1. Turn a recycled object with two sides into a metaphor about place or a statement about hidden beauty.

2. Gather imagery of the following to create a visual mind map of Yolngu art and related concepts — place (Arnhem Bay and Gangan Outstation), people (Gunybi Ganambarr and other Yolngu artists) and culture (Djanda, Djang’kawu sisters, Djang’kawu, Yirritja moiety, Dhuwa moiety, Ngaymil clan designs).