Wak Wak, 2010, James Iyuna
(second from right)
Bark painting, 75cm x 23cm
Provenance: Tunbridge Gallery, Margaret River.
Kuninjku artist, James Iyuna painted mostly on bark and carved wood, exploring the myths and legend of the Kuninjku spirit world. His father, Anchor Kalunda, was noted for his fish traps, and from him, Iyuna learnt the weaving of jungle vine to create traps and nets. From his uncle, Peter Maralwanga, he learnt the traditional techniques of bark painting along with his 3 brothers, all accomplished painters. Iyuna had a distinct style which he shared with the school of art at the Mumeka outstation (1).
From the authenticity certificate: This painting depicts a sacred site at Kurrurldul, an outstation of Maningrida. The rarrk, or abstract crosshatching, on this work represents the design for the crow totem ancestor called Djimarr. The Djimarr rock in the stream at Kurrurldul is said to move around and call out in soft hooting tone at night. Both the stone itself and the area around it are considered sacred. The imagery resents the rock at the bottom of Kurrurldul creek, which is the final transmutation of the dreaming ancestor.