Allan Nadjamerrek - Nomad Art

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Artist: Allan Nadjamerrek
Art Centre: Injalak Arts and Crafts
Region: Arnhem Land

Artwork Story

Clan – Mok

Subsection/Skin – Nabulanj

Language – Kunwinjku

Language Group – Mayali

Region – Gunbalanya (Oenpelli), West Arnhem Land, NT

Allan is a part time ranger with the Warrdeken Land Management. The traditional owners formed the Warddeken Land Management to assist the protection and management of their country, combining traditional ecological knowledge with western science. Today Warddeken Land Management operates out of Kabulwarnamyo and has several rangers working in its programs, including weed and feral animal control and traditional fire management. It was declared an Indigenous Protected Area in June 2009.

Allan suffered from chronic ear infections leaving him profoundly deaf for much of his adolescent life. After being told he would be remain 90% deaf, he was sent to Melbourne in 2005/06 for innovative surgery which restored much of his hearing in both ears. On hearing the stories of his late uncle, Bardayal Lofty Nadjamerrek AO, Allan commenced painting in earnest.

Allan’s style is reminiscent of his uncle’s. He utilises the single line rarrk that adorns the rocky caverns and galleries of the ‘stone country’ region. Allan is part of the screen print design team at Injalak.

Subjects And Themes

Kunj (kangaroo), Ngalyod (Rainbow Serpent), Wakewaken (Sugar Bag Woman), Ngurrurddu Djang (Emu Dreaming), Binninj (Aboriginal people), Pandanus Spirit.