Binygurr Wirrpanda, Dhuruputjpi, Darraŋgi, 2021. Etching on found metal sign, 64 x 56.5cm. Courtesy: the artist and Hugo Michell Gallery.

Yirrkala – Next Wave is consistent with what has been happening around them throughout their formative years as artists and people. Bulthirrirri Wunuŋmurra’s father Nawurapu, and aunties Djirrirra and Moyurrurra have each made strides in redefining Australian contemporary art. Binygurr only comes to notice now but has in fact been producing striking work for at least five years and belongs to the emerging Found artists who presented the exhibition Murrŋiny- a story of metal from the east at the NCCA in Darwin last year.

The Yolŋu tool for metaphor and philosophy is the action and reactions of water. It models ideas and paradigms in Yolŋu discourse. Tides, rain, springs, dew, mist, clouds are all drawn on to discuss the abstract concepts of existence. And so this next wave of Yirrkala artists is breaking on the shore of mainstream awareness.

Artist Talks: Saturday 5 November, 1:30pm.
Opening event: Saturday 5 November, 2 – 4pm.