Kunkurra, the spiralling wind, is associated with several sites in the Kardbam clan estate. This painting can be interpreted as a depiction of the kinds of mini-cyclones common during the wet season in Arnhem Land, where the artist lives. Kunkurra also relates specifically to a site called Bilwoyinj, near Mankorlod.

At this site, two of the most important Kuninjku Creation Beings, a father and son known as na-korrkko, are believed to have hunted and eaten a goanna. They left some of the goanna fat behind at the site, which turned into the rock that still stands there today. The word Bilwoyinj, which is the name of this site, also refers to the fat of the goanna.

Obed Namirrkki

Kunkurra (The Spiralling Wind), 2025

ochre with PVA fixative on stringybark (Eucalyptus tetradonta)
158.5 x 53 cm

FINALIST Telstra Bark Painting Award

FINALIST Telstra Emerging Artist Award

Kunkurra, the spiralling wind, is associated with several sites in the Kardbam clan estate. This painting can be interpreted as a depiction of the kinds of mini-cyclones common during the wet season in Arnhem Land, where the artist lives. Kunkurra also relates specifically to a site called Bilwoyinj, near Mankorlod.

At this site, two of the most important Kuninjku Creation Beings, a father and son known as na-korrkko, are believed to have hunted and eaten a goanna. They left some of the goanna fat behind at the site, which turned into the rock that still stands there today. The word Bilwoyinj, which is the name of this site, also refers to the fat of the goanna.

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