Djirrirra Yukuwa Wunuŋmurra enthrals Berlin and Sydney with indigenous art

ḏap’ by Djirrirra Yukuwa Wunuŋmurra is a series of indigenous artworks that are characterised by two distinct styles and motifs, namely Buyku and Yukuwa. The exhibition, currently on display at the Michael Reid Gallery in both Sydney and Berlin, references Wunuŋmurra’s indigenous roots while also ascribing to contemporary aesthetics. The intricately chiselled artworks are characterised by a sacred geometric clan design called Buyku miny’tji and a very complex and personal floral motif, Yukuwa. While the Buyku miny’tji motif is shaped and gridded like a diamond and is mathematically precise, the Yukuwa motif is more organic and flexible, both in its shape and in the inspiration and idea that shapes it.

The word ḏap in Wunuŋmurra’s native language means ‘the point where two unions meet’, a point of convergence where Wunuŋmurra’s two motifs meet. The regimental Buyku motif, contrasted against the often chaotic, mostly organic Yukuwa motif not only helps in balancing out the composed artworks, but also represents the idea of co-existence of personal thoughts and aspirations with indigenous cultures. The groundbreaking work is an expression of self and an invitation to understand the culture and philosophies of the people of Yolŋu. ḏap by Djirrirra Yukuwa Wunuŋmurra went on display on the 4th of March and will be on display till the 27th of March in both the Australian and German galleries. The collective artwork can also be viewed on Michael Reid’s website.

Wunuŋmurra’s work is an unconventional meeting between the artist’s two distinct stylistic approaches, where ancestral history and self-expression come together. The philosophies of Yolŋu people are about the interconnectedness of the elements, where each aspect of living is coupled with another. The people are connected to the land, art is connected to ceremony, wind to the ocean, song to dance; these worldviews that represent the culture of the Yolŋu people, are expressed through Wunuŋmurra’s art.

The Buyku miny’tji is the ancestral pattern of the Dhalwaŋu clan. It features a series of diamonds between parallel vertical lines. The angular design, mathematically precise and unwavering, is the sacred design of the Yirritja moiety. The Buyku miny’tji was passed down to Wunuŋmurra by her father, a celebrated artist and clan leader, keeping the legacies of their ancestors alive. The Yukuwa motif is inspired by the artist’s own name. Yukuwa is the yam flower that grows on vines and appears once a year, and in Yolŋu cultures, signifies the revitalisation of the land and people. The Yukuwa motif is a series of spiral, floral drawings that create these hypnotic and fractal imageries that captivate the viewer.

ḏap is a portrayal of ancestral history mixed with contemporary self-expression, showcasing paintings and ‘larrakitj’, which were traditionally used as an ossuary, or bone container, and erected as a memorial to a dead kinsman. Through ḏap, Wunuŋmurra allows one to see into the culture of the Dhalwaŋu clan as well as her own self, telling two stories when traditionally only one was told.

‘ḏap’ by Djirrirra Yukuwa Wunuŋmurra will remain on display from 4th March 2022 to 27th March 2022 at the Michael Reid Gallery in both Sydney, Australia and Berlin, Germany.