Australian Aboriginal painting in natural ochre, charcoal and kaolin with natural binder on bark. Dhuwarrwarr Marika /Dhuwa moiety/ Yirrkala. Portrays a Bolyu (water spout) Dreaming, on eucalyptus bark secured by sticks to keep it from curling. Painted ca 1989 .

Dhuwarrwarr Marika is a very significant Aboriginal artist. Born ca 1946, she is the daughter of Mawalan (d) and one of generations of the Marika family that have presented the clan's story in art. She was a nurse at Yirrkala, Darwin and Sydney before returning home to nurture her artistic talents. She learned Rirratjingu painting from her father, Mawalan 1 Marika.

Her earliest paintings were done in the 1970s. Her work has been included in shows in most Australian state galleries since the late 80s. She's a devoted mother and grandmother who believes her art is important in passing on her culture and promoting it to the outside world.

We had the pleasure of meeting her in person when acquiring this painting at Buku-Larrngay Arts, NT, Australia. At that time, she explained to us a secret, sacred painting (not this one), burying the meaning of its most secret parts by lowering her voice to inaudible as she described it.
24” x 11 1/2’ #AGW816