Destiny

In early 2022, the Michael Reid team began working towards a solo exhibition with renowned Yolŋu artist Mr Wanambi, alongside the Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre in Yirrkala. In early May, we were saddened by the news of his sudden passing.

The artist’s family and the team at Yirrkala were fully aware of what this exhibition meant to Mr. Wanambi and requested that the exhibition continue as planned. It was with great sorrow that this exhibition took place posthumously.

Mr. Wanambi’s family authorised the use of his name in written form but request that it not be spoken aloud in the presence of people from Arnhem Land or in the Miwatj region. His spirit has a long journey to go on, to return to his origin point. Calling his name aloud could distract and delay his spirit’s return in a new form. His family have authorised the use of his preferred title ‘Destiny’.

‘Destiny’ exhibited across our galleries in Sydney and Berlin, and marked the grand opening of our new space, Michael Reid Art Bar. Mr Wanambi’s legacy is vast and unfolding, and we look forward to sharing his boundary pushing talents & unbreakable vision with you.