Mukguddu was born in the bush at Makanarlarl – Mungung, this side of Mount Borradaile, which is north of Oenpelli. Mukguddu went to school in Oenpelli and has lived there for most of his life. He was taught to paint by his father Billiago Nabegeyo, a renown artist, when he was about twelve. Mukguddu learnt to grind ochres and paint on bark. The Nabegeyo family are artistic, with Mukguddu’s brother Bruce and nephew Elijah both accomplished artists. His father’s country is Manibarang. His mother’s country is Mumeka. Mukguddu is married with 2 wives and 8 children. (recorded September 1995 by Andrew Hedley, Manager, Injalak Arts & Crafts) Mukguddu Nabegeyo is the son of Malalwanga and Bilinjarra Nabegeyo.
ALTERNATIVE SPELLINGS: Nabakeyo, Nabekeyo BORN: 01-06-43
REGION: Western Arnhem Land NT Australia
COMMUNITY: Gunbalanya [Oenpelli]
ART CENTRE: Injalak Arts & Crafts Association PMB 131 Oenpelli NT 0822 OUTSTATION/COUNTRY: Manibarang (father’s) & Mumeka (mother’s)
LANGUAGE: Kunwinjku
LANGUAGE GROUP: Mayali CLAN: Djalama
SOCIAL AFFILIATIONS: Yirritja moiety, Nawamud subsection
MEDIUM/FORM: Painting, ochres on Arches paper, ochres on bark
GROUP EXHIBITIONS:
- April 1998 Desert Designs Japingka Gallery, Perth WA
- April 1998, “Dreamings” Spazio Pitti Arte, Florence, Italy •
- Aug 1998 Meerzigt, Zoetermeer, The Netherlands
SUBJECTS/THEMES: Barramundi, manjabu country, brolga, rock gecko, Nimbuwah, Crows & bag, Saratoga & file snake, Blue tongue Lizards, Mimi figures, crocodile, Ngalyod, log with crow, goanna, nardir [male spirit figure], Manilbareng country, Birriwilk [woman], palm trees, owl story, Namarrodo,Yawk Yawk, Coopers creek country= Ingurdulyak, echidna & turtle story, frog, dugong water python & eggs, beetle mandjirrdjin with pandanus on her back, waterlily, Kubume= mothers country, dilly bags, eagles Ngaldordow= brolga, Kudjardordo = mothers country, near Liverpool. Mankulurrudj- Livistona palm Malworu country
