Djurrayun Murrinyina

Djurrayun's moiety is Dhuwa. She is from the Djarrwark, Lulmarrangu clans and her homelands are Balma and Gangan. Djurrayun's maternal uncle in the great Gawirrin Gumana AO, one of Australia's most important artists and a significant Yolngu Elder.

Djurrayun's uncle has maintained the art of the Djarrwark clan in his role as Djunggayi (an authoritative 'care-taker' played by a person or group for their Mother's ceremony). He is passing his knowledge on to the next generation of clan members, including Djurrayun who lives in the same homeland as her uncle. This invaluable inheritance serves as the cornerstone of Djurrayun's artistic expression, igniting a passion to preserve and proliferate the ancestral motifs entrusted to her care. In 2007 she began to paint these clan designs in her own right.

Her bark paintings and larrakitj memorial poles contain layers of natural pigment applied in a crosshatching technique known as 'dhulang'. This, combined with her straight and parallel ribbons of clan designs, produces optical effects that transform the surface of the stringybark to the appearance of water that is effected by the Ancestral presence of the Djang'kawu Creators.

She is the only member of the Djarrwark clan to paint the scared clan designs in at least fifteen years, making her an important voice in the Yolngu art scene and the art world. Her creations transcend mere aesthetic appeal, serving as conduits for cultural continuity and intergenerational dialogue. Through her artistry, Djurrayun channels the voices of her Ancestors, weaving a vibrant tapestry of identity, resilience, and spiritual legacy.


Copyright Kate Owen Gallery, October 2024