Charlie Djurritjini

Charlie Djurritjini is a Yolngu artist from the Gurrumba Gurrumba clan, born in 1952 near the Arafura Swamp in Arnhem Land. He is known for his detailed bark paintings and prints, depicting important Dreaming stories related to his land and totems, such as the freshwater herring and long-necked tortoise. Djurritjini’s works often focus on the cultural significance of the wetlands and the creatures that inhabit his country. “My father told me everything before he died. These paintings are for Balanda and Yolngu. These paintings are to show balanda (white people) what my culture is. To show where my country and Dreaming is from, and where my culture comes from. I only paint from (about) one place, Mutyka’ – that’s my country. These pictures come from my head – I think about my culture.” Taken from an interview in “The Native Born: Objects and Representations from Ramingining, Arnhem Land” Djurritjini has exhibited his art both nationally and internationally, with works held in major collections like the National Gallery of Australia, the National Gallery of Victoria, and the Queensland Art Gallery. He was a key participant in the 1988 Aboriginal Memorial at the Sydney Biennale and has showcased his work in numerous solo and group exhibitions over the years.