Injalak Hill Suite - Kunwarrde Bim (2006)
Kunwarrde Bim (Stone Country Painting) is a collection of etchings by nine artists from Injalak Arts and Crafts in Western Arnhem Land. The x-ray images are based on ancient rock art at Injalak Hill, which overlooks the community of Oenpelli. The etchings are presented in a series of unique ceramic boxes. Celebrated artist Bardayal (Lofty) Nadjamerrek has painted directly onto the clay surface of each box reflecting the ancient sandstone of the Arnhem escarpment, thus providing an opportunity for collectors to acquire examples of the rock art of Bardayal Nadjamerrek, one of the last surviving rock art practitioners.
Kunwarrde Bim originated in 2003 when printmaker Basil Hall approached Injalak Arts with the idea. In 2004 a printmaking workshop took place at Injalak Hill resulting in a folio of etchings by the nine men featuring x-ray images painted in a similar style to those on the rock surfaces.
Manager of Injalak Arts, Anthony Murphy believes the project is the first of its kind involving a rock artist. “Injalak Hill" is a world famous rock art site. It boasts extensive galleries, literally thousands of paintings scattered amongst the boulders and breathtaking views of floodplains and the famed Arnhem Land Escarpment. Lofty has eagerly embraced the idea of working on a “new” surface and younger artists at Injalak have often expressed their interest in working in the “old way” on etching plates” he said.
Sets of the etchings are presented in ten ceramic boxes or 20 cloth-bound folios, a limited selection of individual prints are also available from the end of June 2006.
