Boliny is a mother figure to the community. She has raised countless children and grandchildren with a sweet, effortless energy. Amongst these are her younger brothers Wukun Wanambi and Yalanba Wanambi who are each now well known artists. Her patience and persistence and humility grind on. Thankless tasks and hopeless causes are the grist from which she produces regular triumphs. It is in her hands that the marginal becomes bountiful. Those of us who have experienced her loving solicitude are joyous that she overcame a serious health threat. Her intelligence and humour make her wisdom all the sweeter. All of this ingenuity and diligence is in her work which is her constant companion.

Dhurrumuwuy is indeed a young gun. Distant from his fatherland by the sea at Yirrkala where the Marikas are the undisputed first family he has grown inland by the silty waters of the Gangan billabongs with his mother Djuna of the Dhalwangu clan. This sees him at a time and place where artistic excellence reign. A hotspot in Australian cultural life. So by an accident of happenstance the turtle rich sea foam of the Gulf is rendered with the heady talent typical of the Gangan stable which includes Djirrirra Wunungmurra, Nawurapu Wunungmurra, Garawan Wanambi, Gawirrin Gumana, Waturr Gumana, Malaluba Gumana and of course Gunybi. All of these artists have had successful solo shows in metropolitan galleries and yet the community is less than 100 strong. His Mum and the first two on this list are children of Yanggarriny Wunungmurra (1932-2003) winner of the 1996 Telstra First Prize and the first Aboriginal artist to have his copyright recognised in a mainstream court after the appropriation of his sacred designs in a teatowel. His grandson continues to express his identity with the same subtle strength.


Will Stubbs, co Co-ordinator of Buku-Larrngay Mulka NE Arnhem Land