- Title: Namarrkon – Lightning Man – SOLD
- Artist: Allan Nadjamerrek
- Region: Arnhem Land
- Art Centre: Injalak Arts and Crafts
- Medium: Ochre and acrylic on Arches paper
- Collection:
- Dimensions: 61 x 41cm
- Edition Size: Unique
- Price ($AUD): $ 550
Artwork Story
Namarrkon, Lightning Man is an important ancestral being in the mythology of the Kunwinjku people of western Arnhem Land. This spirit helped create the country during the Dreamtime. Namarrkon creates thunder by throwing stone axes down onto the earth. These axes can be seen protruding from various parts of his body, particularly the joints. An arc of lightning encircles his body. Namarrkon is especially active during December, when the season of kurnumeleng is characterised by spectacular pre-monsoon storms and then from January to March during kudjewk the ‘wet’ season in northern Australia. Namarrkon is also a guardian of the laws.
This painting is part of an exhibition that explores the links between Indigenous cultural heritage, environment and aesthetic traditions of artists from the Stone Country of western Arnhem Land through food and plants (manme) and animals (mayh).
Gavin Namarnyilk is one of a small and unique group of artists who are actively maintaining the distinctive practise associated with the traditions of rock art painting in western Arnhem Land and the knowledge it purveys.
The Stone Country of western Arnhem Land also known as the plateau country adjoins Kakadu National Park. The rocky outcrops of the escarpment dominate the landscape while adjacent flood plains, permanent rivers and billabongs are abundant with life of countless species of animals and plants.
Manme Mayh: Gardens of the Stone Country II focuses on the native plants and animals integral to the culture and traditions of the Kunwinjku speaking people and the spirit figures associated with them. The exhibition highlights cultural associations the Kunwinjku people have with species that include the emu, fruit bats, the kangaroo, black wallaroo, Oenpelli python, water lilies, crocodiles, turtles, fishes, yams, and other plants that provide both food and tools.