Lot 3
Bombing of Darwin
Susan Wanji Wanji
180 x 120 cm
Ochre on linen
Bid on this piece
This piece has a reserve.
This piece comes professionally stretched
About the Artist
Susan Wanji Wanji grew up in Maningrida and as a young girl learnt to make bark paintings and intricately woven mats and baskets. She is an exceptional weaver and Tunga (bark basket) craftsperson. Susan Wanji Wanji started working at Munupi Arts & Crafts ( Yikikinni Women’s Centre) in 1990 and has since developed a unique style that has influence from both Tiwi and Arnhem Land cultures. In 1992 Susan Wanji Wanji travelled to Paris representing Munupi Arts & Crafts and assisted with the hanging of the women’s centre exhibition. Susan Wanji Wanji works on linen and arches paper with natural ochres, along with limited edition lino prints and etchings. Her art is represented in many national as well as international collections, and she was a finalist in the 2013 Telstra Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards.
About the Work
After the first bombing, the men thought of making songs and dance about the bombing and the planes. This painting is about that. One old man singing, while men, women and kids dance around. Some people when the bombing started were standing around or hunting with their spears, when the bombing started they were throwing their spears to the plane and hiding to try to keep safe.
Notable Collections
National Gallery of Australia, Canberra