- Title: Sorcery Figure
- Artist: Joey Nganjmirra
- Region: Arnhem Land
- Art Centre: Injalak Arts and Crafts
- Medium: Etching
- Collection: Kunwarrde Bim – Injalak Hill Suite
- Dimensions: 19 x 14 cm
- Edition Size: 40
- Price ($AUD): $ 220
Artwork Story
This print is available individually, or as part of the Injalak Hill Suite set of 12 prints $2,800
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.
This etching depicts a sorcery figure that appears amongst the imagery of Injalak Hill. According to George Chaloupka, “paintings with sorcery intentions were an element of the region’s traditional culture, but ….a dramatic increase in sorcery appears to have occurred after the initial and continuing contact with Europeans.” This is attributed to the introduction of new diseases that ravished Aboriginal populations and caused much distress. This figure, with her swollen joints, is depicted in such a way that her backbone, intestines and the tiny figures in her belly are all visible.
These prints and the process undertaken demonstrate a tangible link between Binninj (Aboriginal people of the region) their land, art and culture. Unbroken links survive over the millennia, between an ancient life and the contemporary setting which continues to inform its people. Perhaps the final word should go to Gabriel Maralngurra, “we want to help balanda (white people) to understand, that rock art is part of our culture, then and now”.
© Injalak Arts and Crafts 2006