Press and Editorial

Custodian of tradition

4 November 2009
Elizabeth Fortescue

» View Custodian of tradition exhibition

WHERE Gunybi Ganambarr comes from, Gangan, northeastern Arnhem Land, you don?t want to transgress the tribal laws governing the creation of artworks. Depicting a totem or a story which you are not permitted to reproduce can be a capital offence.
This strict code has preserved the culture of the Yolngu through the generations. But Ganambarr, a young artist and a leader of the remote, 100-person community where he lives, is credited with opening up the art of northeastern Arnhem Land with his bark paintings and memorial poles.
Some of these works are now on show at the Annandale Galleries.
Amazingly, Ganambarr has created these innovations without offending any sacred traditions of
his people, including his father-inlaw, the famous indigenous artist Djambawa Marawili.
Ganambarr visited Sydney last week with Will Stubbs, who for 15 years has lived in Yirrkala, Arnhem
Land, as co-ordinator of Buku- Larrngay Mulka arts centre.
Stubbs says Ganambarr in the past five years has introduced important innovations in making ceremonial poles and with bark painting, an art which is both ancient and contemporary, since it is still practised widely today.
Elizabeth Fortescue

« Back to main press page


» View Custodian of tradition exhibition

WHERE Gunybi Ganambarr comes from, Gangan, northeastern Arnhem Land, you don?t want to transgress the tribal laws governing the creation of artworks. Depicting a totem or a story which you are not permitted to reproduce can be a capital offence.
This strict code has preserved the culture of the Yolngu through the generations. But Ganambarr, a young artist and a leader of the remote, 100-person community where he lives, is credited with opening up the art of northeastern Arnhem Land with his bark paintings and memorial poles.
Some of these works are now on show at the Annandale Galleries.
Amazingly, Ganambarr has created these innovations without offending any sacred traditions of
his people, including his father-inlaw, the famous indigenous artist Djambawa Marawili.
Ganambarr visited Sydney last week with Will Stubbs, who for 15 years has lived in Yirrkala, Arnhem
Land, as co-ordinator of Buku- Larrngay Mulka arts centre.
Stubbs says Ganambarr in the past five years has introduced important innovations in making ceremonial poles and with bark painting, an art which is both ancient and contemporary, since it is still practised widely today.
Elizabeth Fortescue

« Back to main press page



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