Mol, 2022

pandanus spiralis

28 x 16 cm

Enquire for price

Artwork story: Helen Ganalmirriwuy understands the power of colour. Her work can be distinguished by the striking use of blacks, oranges, reds and other earthy hues. Her monochrome pieces exemplify her mastery of colour and natural dye process as well as precise weaving technique. Ganalmirriwuy makes her colours from roots, leaves and barks harvested from the Crocodile Islands and her mother's Homeland of Langarra (Howard Island). Up until the late 20th century fibre objects where made by both men and women. Fibre objects including mindir (conical bags) and bamugora (conical mat) were decorated by applying ochre pigment to the surface of fibre objects. The development to dying fibres by way of submerging them in gapu (water) with local plants was introduced by missionaries and has been widely practiced in Yurrwi since the 1940's.Each weavers palette is informed by the natural dying material (leaves and roots) that are particular to their Country. In the 1990's Margaret Rarru perfected the recipe for the many hues of black that her and her sister Helen Ganalmirriwuy are now renowned for. When asked for the recipe Rarru and her sisters reply 'maybe one day you will sit with us and you will learn'. It is accepted amongst Yolnu weavers that the singular use of black is reserved for Rarru and those whom she gives permission.

Click to enlarge

b. 1955

pandanus spiralis

28 x 16 cm

Enquire for price

Artwork story: Helen Ganalmirriwuy understands the power of colour. Her work can be distinguished by the striking use of blacks, oranges, reds and other earthy hues. Her monochrome pieces exemplify her mastery of colour and natural dye process as well as precise weaving technique. Ganalmirriwuy makes her colours from roots, leaves and barks harvested from the Crocodile Islands and her mother's Homeland of Langarra (Howard Island). Up until the late 20th century fibre objects where made by both men and women. Fibre objects including mindir (conical bags) and bamugora (conical mat) were decorated by applying ochre pigment to the surface of fibre objects. The development to dying fibres by way of submerging them in gapu (water) with local plants was introduced by missionaries and has been widely practiced in Yurrwi since the 1940's.Each weavers palette is informed by the natural dying material (leaves and roots) that are particular to their Country. In the 1990's Margaret Rarru perfected the recipe for the many hues of black that her and her sister Helen Ganalmirriwuy are now renowned for. When asked for the recipe Rarru and her sisters reply 'maybe one day you will sit with us and you will learn'. It is accepted amongst Yolnu weavers that the singular use of black is reserved for Rarru and those whom she gives permission.