Djerrkŋu Yunupiŋu

Mermaids

Senior Yolŋu elder Djerrkŋu Yunupiŋu tells us the story of her conception as a mermaid in these paintings on board and bark. Using a combination of earth pigments and reclaimed toner ink from discarded printer cartridges, Yunupiŋu shares the stories of her family’s journey in dug-out canoes from Marchinbar Island to Yirrkala in eastern Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. Yunupiŋu began painting her visions of mermaids in late 2019. The constellation of painted marks that envelope her figures is a distinct tribute to her Yunupiŋu lineage.

Artist

Djerrkŋu Yunupiŋu
Yolŋu people, Northern Territory
Buku Larrŋgay Mulka Centre