- Artist: Roderick Maralngurra
- Art Centre: Injalak Arts and Crafts
- Region: Arnhem Land
Artwork Story
Roderick Maralngurra is an artist at Injalak Arts and Crafts, which is located at Gunbalanya (Oenpelli), a small Aboriginal township close to the East Alligator River in western Arnhem Land, approximately 300 kms east of Darwin.
Nearby is the rugged Arnhem Land escarpment area of deep plunging gorges, huge boulders and wide overhanging rock platforms – ‘Stone Country’. The Art Centre is situated in the most beautiful of sites. The escarpment rises forebodingly to the east. Gunbalanya billabong at its rear is surrounded by open flood plains and overshadowed by Injalak Hill – a site extensively rich in rock art paintings and the source of much inspiration for the artists.
Roderick has a unique and humble character. His work pushes the boundaries of the Kunwinkju painting style known as rock art or mimih style, using a singular diagonal ‘rarrk’ and showing all internal organs. Roderick has been a long standing member of Injalak Arts in Gunbalanya and studied under some of the former Kunwinkju masters including Bardayal ‘Lofty’ Nadjamerrek and Thompson Yulidjirri. He is the brother of Gabreil Maralngurra and foundly remembers visiting his mothers country with Thompson and listening to many significant djang or dreamtime stories.