Description
This painting features djewuḻ (seaweed). It can be seen floating around in the saltwater, growing from it’s seed-like form to its flowering form. In this rendition the nyaŋbarr, a jellyfish that glows with phosphorescent aglae at nighttime when it comes into shore features heavily, the white dots and lines emphasising the magnificent glow of these organisms.
For Mälarra people, djewuḻ, or seaweed is an important totem. Mälarra are closely connected to many saltwater species, with homelands at Galiwin’ku (Elcho Island), Murruŋga and Burulpurulŋa (islands north east of Milingimbi). The artist has a strong relationship with these places, and a deep understanding of the species that live there.
There is manikay (ceremonial song and dance) for djewuḻ, connecting clans, places and languages through songlines.
