Isaiah Nagurrgurrba Mimih Kunborrk (Mimih Dancing), 2019 Injalak Arts

Medium: Ochre on arches paper Size: 51 x 76 cm ID: #225-18
Price: $1250





    About this artwork

    Story

    Isaiah has depicted Mimih spirits dancing. According to the Kunwinjku people of West Arnhem Land, Mimih spirits were the original spirit beings who taught Aboriginal people many of the skills they needed to survive. They also taught aspects of ceremony such as singing, dancing (kunborrk) and playing didjeridu (mako). Mimih spirits are believed to inhabit the rocky escarpments around Gunbalanya but because they are extremely timid they are rarely seen by humans. They are frequently depicted in the rock art of Arnhem Land as small, dynamic figures, often shown with a range of hunting tools.

    About Isaiah Nagurrgurrba

    Isaiah is an artist and screen printer who has been working with Injalak Arts in Oenpelli since 1989. He is animated, a great raconteur and his sense of humor and style is evident in his paintings. Isaiah is involved in the ceremonial life of the community and takes his obligations to family and traditional culture very seriously. The artist’s country is Marlkawo which is south-east of Oenpelli and his major Djang (Dreaming) is Yawk Yawk or female water spirits. Isaiah was a senior supervisor of the Injalak’s Printmaking Department. Being a founding member of Injalak Arts and Crafts, thirty years ago, Isaiah attributes much of his formal training to renowned printmaker Ray Young