- Title: Manwak (Mumeka Blooms)
- Artist: Deborah Wurrkidj
- Region: Arnhem Land
- Art Centre: Babbarra Women's Centre
- Medium: Silkscreen on linen
- Collection: Babbarra Designs
- Dimensions: 135 cm wide
- Price ($AUD): $140 per metre
Artwork Story
Manwak grows near Mumeka creek, on the artist’s homeland. This beautiful large flower blooms during the mandjelk (wet season). It has deep green petals with a central red kernel which swells to the size of a berry. It is known for its long, sweeping petals which seem to dance in the winds. By dry season, the inside kernel resembles a strawberry in appearance and flavour, but is also very spicy so it burns our mouth. Kids and adults pick these berries enthusiastically when walking or going hunting on my country. The inside of the flowers are eaten fresh, a favourite manme (bush food) of our people.
“When I was painting this Manwak story, I was painting in Maningrida. In my head I was dreaming of being on my homeland, eating ripe Manwak berries”
Deborah Wurrkidj
Silkscreen print on linen, drill, canvas and cotton (three screen design)
135 cm wide
Continuous length.
$140 per metre