Ngurrurdu (emu) is a very important bird for us Aboriginal people. We can find ngurrurdu in many different clan countries, in wide open areas. There are also Djang (Dreaming) sites for Ngurrurdu in many places. In the Beginning, ngurrurdu used to be able to fly. Two men tried to spear her, but missed. She flew away in fright, but flew straight into a thick stand of manlarrh (cypress, Callitris intratropica). Her wings broke, and until today she has short wings and can’t fly. But she runs with a fearsome power. She has the skin name Ngalkangila. Kurrung (the late dry season) is the best time for hunting ngurrurdu and collecting wirlarrk, emu eggs.

Ngalbu ngurrurdu ngalka ngalkuken mayh ngadberre, nawu ngad bininj ngarrikukburlerri. Ngurrurdu karri ngalwern kore kunred kubolkwarlahken kore ngarrihni. Ngurrurdu kadjangdi kubolkwern kunred. Ngurrurdu korroko dolkani rey kaddum kaluk bininj benebokenh yimankek beneyameninj dja larrk. Kelelobmeng ngimeng kore manwern Manlarrh kundulk mirnderri yimankek dolkang berlbakmeng wanjh berlyahwurdminj minj karrolkan kaddum larrk dja kalobme wernkih ngalngudjbang.

Size 41 x 61 cm | Medium Paper | Catalogue # 1571-23 | Year 2023

Artist  Lorraine Namarnyilk

Lorraine Namarnyilk is a highly talented and respected artist whose work reflects both her connection to her mother country and the teachings passed down to her by her esteemed artist grandfather, Wamud ‘Lofty’ Nadjamerrek.

Born to Lois Nadjamerrek and Brian Namarnyilk, Lorraine spent many years as a Daluk ranger caring for her mother country at the remote outstation of Kabulwarnamyo in western Arnhem Land, which was established by her grandfather. It was during this time that Lorraine honed her artistic skills under her grandfather’s guidance, learning how to paint and discovering the many important stories that underpin her art.

Since moving to Gunbalanya, Lorraine has become an integral part of the artistic community at Injalak Arts, where she has distinguished herself as a brilliant screen printer, a highly original painter, and a cherished arts worker. Her work is a testament to her deep connection to her culture and her commitment to preserving the stories and traditions of her people.

Lorraine’s art is characterised by bold colours, intricate patterns, and a deep reverence for the natural world. Her paintings and prints often depict the animals and landscapes of her mother country, evoking a sense of awe and wonder at the beauty of the natural world.

further details

Size 41 x 61 cm
Medium  Paper
Catalogue # 1571-23
Year 2023