Ngarderrhwo (snapping turtles) live in freshwater rivers and waterholes. We eat ngarderrhwo, as we do ngalmangiyi (long-necked turtles). Ngarderrhwo is often called “short necked turtle” to distinguish it from ngalmangiyi, which has a long, snake like neck. Ngarderrhwo eats small animals like wakih (freshwater shrimp) and water weeds. We also eat the pig-nosed turtle, known as warradjan.

Ngalbu ngarderrhwo ngalka kadjalre kore kubowinjku kukku. Kore mankabo dja manlabbarl karohrok yiman ngalmangiyi bu ngarringun. Ngalmangiyi ngalka ngalkomkuyeng dja ngarderrhwo ngalkomdjumbung dja mayh yerrih bu ngarringun nawu bininj ngad ngarrikukburlerri. Ngarderrhwo kangun mayh kilekilelh yiman wakih dja kunbak. Danjbik nawu mayh ngalbu ngarringun Ngalmangiyi Ngarderrhwo Warradjan nawu kubowinjku kukku kabirrire.

(Text: Andrew Manakgu)

Size 20 x 30 cm | Medium Paper | Catalogue # 1379-23 | Year 2023

Artist  Graham Badari

Graham Badari’s country is Maburrinj, in the rocky escarpment country about 120 kilometres east of Gunbalanya. He draws artistic inspiration from this environment and also paints the Dreamings of his Mother Country, Djurlka, where he spent time as a young man near the outstation of Marmardawerre. He was raised by the renowned artist Djawida Nadjongorle, but like many of the artists at Gunbalanya credits the late Thompson Yulidjirri as his greatest artistic influence. From these senior men, Badari learnt the fluid and dynamic figurative style that defines Kunwinjku painting at Injalak Arts. He began painting sporadically around 1990, but has since become part of a group of dedicated and innovative artists at Gunbalanya. His paintings show the influence of the visual language of their rock-art heritage, while remaining committed to artistic innovation. It is this beguiling balance of tensions, innovation and tradition, ancient and modern, beauty and terror, that energises Badari’s paintings.

further details

Size 20 x 30 cm
Medium  Paper
Catalogue # 1379-23
Year 2023