PERTH.- Culture and the Arts Minister John Day officially opened a significant Aboriginal art exhibition from Arnhem Land at the Western Australian Museum in Perth.

Mr Day said Yalangbara was an exhibition by the Yolngu people of north-east Arnhem Land, expressing the mythological, environmental and historical significance of their land.

“The exhibition tells the remarkable story of the Marika family; three generations of artists, cultural diplomats and custodians of Yalangbara (Port Bradshaw),” he said.

“Yalangbara is one of Australia’s most important spiritual sites where the Yolngu peoples’ ancestors, the Djang’kawu, landed and gave shape and life to the land and everything in it.”

The exhibition explores the journey of the Djang’kawu and features works from public and private collections including rare bark paintings, works on paper, fibre items and wood sculptures.

The Minister said a key element of the exhibition was the emphasis on family and their role in maintaining and passing on customary knowledge.

“The stories presented in this exhibition reveal a deep connection to country by the Marika family and emphasise their importance as the custodians of that land, and as one of north-east Arnhem Land’s most recognised artistic dynasties,” Mr Day said.

Yalangbara: Art of the Djang’kawu is presented by the National Museum of Australia and Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory in partnership with members of the Marika family.