About this artwork
Rimijbudda is a powerful Wandjina from the Wanumbul country. Gordon Barunga says: “He’s from my mother’s side – Wanumbul, Hunter River, on the sea side from Kalumburu. He’s a thief, steals shells and any sorts of things. Rimij means ‘robs’.” Rimijbudda’s exploits as a thief are part of his identity: he used to take from the other Wandjinas when they were hunting or fishing. He would then run away with their wives. Jugalimurra (another Wanumbul Wandjina) works for Rimijmurra by the sea.
As in nearly all depictions of Wandjinas, Jagulimarra and Rimijmurra lack mouths. Pudja (Gordon’s mother) explains that when the Wandjinas send rain, they make the sound of thunder through their nostrils, but they lack mouths so that it won’t rain too hard. The Ungud snake is the one that made the rivers and holds water. If they are disturbed then they will kill whoever disturbs them.
About Gordon Barunga
Gordon Barunga was born in Derby in 1961 and grew up at Mowanjum Community. He is the youngest son of the late Community leader Albert Barunga and painter Pudja Barunga. Gordon worked at a number of Kimberley cattle stations before starting to paint, inspired by the work of his mother. He paints both traditional Wandjina images, as well Pantijan country, in the realistic watercolour style typified by Albert Namatjira. Gordon’s paintings reflect his parents' country, which he visited often as a child, as well as the stories he was told as a young boy. His work is characterised by fine brushstrokes, indicating the rain falling as a result of the supreme power of the Wandjinas. Sensitive and strong, his work reflects the spirit of his nation and the law passed down through his family.
