Jeremiah Bonson

Wirrah Bun Bun, 2012 (1)

Acrylic on wood, 62cm x 8cm x 8cm
Provenance: Darwin Art Fair, Darwin.

Wirrah Bun Bun, 2012 (2)

Acrylic on wood, 153cm x 17cm x 14cm
Provenance: Darwin Art Fair, Darwin.

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Jeremiah Bonson is a Jinang/Marung artist, born in Darwin. He spent time in his mother’s country, the outstation Gamourgouyoura, and now lives in Galiwin'ku on Elcho Island. Bonson is a dancer, painter, musician and sculptor. His adoptive father, taught Bonson his traditional culture and song line, which he shares in his works (1).

From his authenticity certificate: Wirra Bun Bun spirits are friendly, they come out at night, looking for food, and to dance and sing. During the day, the Wirra Bun Bun sleeps in the jungle in sacred areas. Only the Yolngu can see the Wirra Bun Bun dancing at night, but they must keep their distance. While dancing, the Bun Bun is covered in white ochre - the white dots on the carving represent this. This spirit is Bonson’s mother’s totem and by carving it in the strict style passed onto him, he keeps the traditions of the clan alive.

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