Jack Nawilil was born in 1945 and is a revered law and song man from Central Arnhem Land. His unique fibre sculptures made of kurrajong bark with ochre pigment, natural fibres, bush wax and feathers, won him the prestigious 3D Award in the 2012 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award. His extraordinary multimedia spirit poles are his own creation. However, the stories they represent are both ancient and complex – referencing multiple places, clans and events that span vast distances and timeframes.

Most of Nawilil’s works feature the story of the shooting star/comet called Namorroddo – believed by Central Arnhem Land people to be a manifestation of a spirit figure which can attack Aboriginal people and is overcome only by the powers of a very senior medicine man. Nawilil is one of the main proponents of this story – his beautifully crafted works exuding a power similar to that of ceremonial objects and are unique in contemporary Aboriginal art.

In 2023, Nawilil's spirit poles were featured in Sydney Contemporary  Art Fair.  The significance of the exhibit was noted by leading Indigenous art curator Sebastian Goldspink who identified Jack's works as one of the 5 most significant exhibits of Indigenous art at the Fair.   

Everywhen Art represents Jack Nawilil's works exclusively on behalf of Maningrida Arts.

View details of Jack Nawilil's available works on our website under his name.