The Waterbird Dance by David Malangi Daymirringu

The Waterbird Dance brings death to life. Aboriginal artist David Malangi Daymirringu’s work honors Yolngu ceremony; more specifically, that of the Manharngu clan. A well-known senior artist, Malangi painted and travelled internationally to represent his community and share his art until his death in 1999. In typical fashion of the art of Arnhem Land, Waterbird Dance is a painting of ochre, charcoal and white clay on bark. Malangi depicts Manharngu clan totems engaged in a transitional ceremony in a vibrant, packed composition to grab the attention of international audiences and celebrate and preserve the traditions of his country.

David Malangi Daymirringu Aboriginal Australian, 1927-1999 Waterbird Dance Natural pigments on bark 32 x 18 in. (81.28 x 45.72 cm)

This episode was produced by Callie Collins.