About

Belief in the circulatory nature of death and life is integral to Arnhem Land art. 'Death and Life: rakuny ga walnga' — the Gallery's first Collection-based exhibition dedicated to contemporary art from Arnhem Land — features bark paintings, hollow log memorial poles, sculptures and weavings that embody this idea. The arrangement of works reflects artists' clan affiliations and languages, as well as their connections with particular tracts of country, ranging from east to west Arnhem Land.

In Arnhem Land, elaborate patterns painted on the body affirm identity throughout life, and may even be painted on coffins or log memorial poles. In the exhibition, bark paintings and poles are paired through the designs reflecting this customary practice.

In eastern Arnhem Land, Yirritja moiety death rituals often include yingapungapu, a stylised canoe form sculpted from sandy soil. A yingapungapu sand sculpture — ceremonially installed in the gallery space by artists from Yirrkala — is the centrepiece of 'Death and Life'.