Artist: Clairre Djanghara | Title: Wandjina with the Bush Tucker | Year: 2022 | Medium: natural ochre and pigments on canvas | Dimensions: 60 x 60 cm
PROVENANCE
Waringarri Arts Cat No. K02615-22
ARTWORK STORY
It is said that the Wandjina spirit figure is the embodiment of the rain spirit and ancestor of the Wonnambal, Ngarinyin and Worrora peoples of the North West Kimberley. Wandjina figures are seen decorating the walls of caves in the plateau areas along the North Kimberley coast and are unique to this region. They are always pictured, using red ochre, from a frontal aspect, with no mouths, large black eyes and a slit or beak like nose. They are usually depicted in a veil of dots which represent the blood and water mix of man and animal. Dreamtime mythology has it that the Wandjina emerged from the clouds and will return in that form. Other versions suggest that Dumbi the owl is the model which is why it is prominent in some of the stories.
ARTIST PROFILE
COMMUNITY/REGION
Kalumburu, East Kimberley, WA
LANGUAGE
Wunambul
BIOGRAPHY
Clairrie Djanghara is a Wunambal artist from Derby, Western Australia. He moved to Kalumburu during missionary times, where he grew up and received his education. Later, he served his community in various roles, including being elected President of the Kalumburu Aboriginal Community Council in 1999. Clairrie began painting later in life and his artworks often depict Wandjina and Gwion Gwion figures, rendered in natural ochres and pigments.
PROVENANCE
Waringarri Arts Cat No. K02615-22
ARTWORK STORY
It is said that the Wandjina spirit figure is the embodiment of the rain spirit and ancestor of the Wonnambal, Ngarinyin and Worrora peoples of the North West Kimberley. Wandjina figures are seen decorating the walls of caves in the plateau areas along the North Kimberley coast and are unique to this region. They are always pictured, using red ochre, from a frontal aspect, with no mouths, large black eyes and a slit or beak like nose. They are usually depicted in a veil of dots which represent the blood and water mix of man and animal. Dreamtime mythology has it that the Wandjina emerged from the clouds and will return in that form. Other versions suggest that Dumbi the owl is the model which is why it is prominent in some of the stories.
ARTIST PROFILE
COMMUNITY/REGION
Kalumburu, East Kimberley, WA
LANGUAGE
Wunambul
BIOGRAPHY
Clairrie Djanghara is a Wunambal artist from Derby, Western Australia. He moved to Kalumburu during missionary times, where he grew up and received his education. Later, he served his community in various roles, including being elected President of the Kalumburu Aboriginal Community Council in 1999. Clairrie began painting later in life and his artworks often depict Wandjina and Gwion Gwion figures, rendered in natural ochres and pigments.