EXPANDED LABEL: 2017.392.002 2017.392.003 WANAMBI
By Ellie Buttrose Grace Jeremy
‘Living Patterns’ September 2023
Mr Wanambi is recognised for his distinctive approach to creating larrakitj (memorial poles). Inspired by traditional Yolngu poles, these two contemporary sculptures reference important granite rocks in the waters of Trial Bay, in eastern Arnhem Land. In contrast to the more well-known Yolngu poles featuring intricately designed patterns, Mr Wanambi paints these two with a single pigment: gapan (white ochre). White is a colour that holds particular significance in sorry business and times of mourning. The monochrome nature of these larrkitj draws attention to the natural forms of the hollow wood. Instead of the usual technique of smoothing the surface of larrkitj before painting, the artist chose to leave his timber bases largely unmodified to preserve their unique qualities.
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Larrakitj 2017
- WANAMBI, Mr. W. - Creator
Larrakitj 2017
- WANAMBI, Mr. W. - Creator
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