Yawkyawk (white)
Owen YALANDJA: artist
White Yawkyawk - Yawkyawk in Kuninijku language means young woman spirit being and different clan groups within Arnhem Land have different custodial stories pertaining to the Yawkyawk spirit. Often compared to western mythologies surround mermaids, Yalandja’s use of intricate detail, fine line and repetitive pattern embody each Yawkyawk with the mystery and allure associated with the traditional stories from Arnhem Land. The Yawkyawk are often said to be seen only from the corner of ones eye. Yalandja’s representations of Yawkyawk are still, quiet and somehow pensive, however still hold all the mystery of the Yawkyawk, as described in traditional Indigenous culture.
Title
Yawkyawk (white)
Artist/Maker and role
Owen YALANDJA: artist
Date
2009
Medium
ochres on wood
Measurements
207.0 x 11.5 x 15.0 cm
Production place
Maningrida, West Arnhem Land, Northern Territory
Credit line
Purchased through The Art Gallery of Western Australia Foundation: TomorrowFund, 2010
© Owen Yalandja / Copyright Agency
The State Art Collection, The Art Gallery of Western Australia
Accession number
2010/0074