Jilamara, Susan Wanji Wanji
Ochre on linen, 90cm x 70cm
Provenance: Tiwi Art at Darwin Art Fair, Darwin.
Maningrida artist, Susan Wanji Wanji works across the traditional mediums of painting, weaving and Tunga (bark basket making). As a young woman, she was instructed in the making of bark paintings, and intricately woven mats and baskets. Her style has developed into a unique blend of the Tiwi and Arnhem Land cultures. In 1992, Susan Wanji Wanji travelled to Paris representing Munupi Arts & Crafts and assisted with the hanging of the women’s centre exhibition, and was a finalist in the 2013 NATSIAA Art Awards (1).
From the authenticity certificate: All jilamara (design) is originally drawn from the body painting which accompanied the pukumani (funeral) and kulama (initiation/yam) ceremonies. An individual design and aesthetic is highly valued by Tiwi artists and is representative of their person interpretation of the traditional Tiwi design.