24 November 2017 to 18 February 2018 | Studio Gallery | Free entry, donations welcome
The upcoming Midawarr | Harvest exhibition at the National Museum explores the plants of Yolŋu country in north-east Arnhem Land based on works by artists Mulkun Wirrpanda and John Wolseley.
Midawarr means ‘harvest’ in the Yolŋu matha(language). It is the season when rich plant life on Yolŋu country is ready to be collected and prepared.
Mulkun and John have met every midawarr and other times inthe past five years to research and document the many useful and delicious plants which, for centuries, have sustained communities in this unique part of the continent.
Artists Mulkun Wirrpanda and John Wolseley. Photo: Angus Cameron
Artworks and multimedia
Mulkun and John’s collaboration has resulted in a body of artworks including bark paintings, larrakitj (decorated memorial poles), printmaking and a monumental watercolour and mixed media painting.
This National Museum of Australia exhibition also features immersive multimedia experiences created by the Yolŋu community to give visitors insights into the special relationship between these two artists, and ancient Yolŋu knowledge of sustainable living.
See our Goree photo essay on harvesting yams in Yolŋu country