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Gurrwiliny Yolngu : People of the Arafura Wetlands

Past exhibition
9 - 27 June 2023
Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: Mr. B. Black Durbuma, Billy's Barramundi (Ratjuk) , 2022

Mr. B. Black Durbuma

Billy's Barramundi (Ratjuk) , 2022
acrylic on canvas
61 x 87 cm
24 x 34 1/4 in
MM6903
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Visualisation

On a Wall
'This is a Dhuwa Story. In my back country in the other side we have lots of Barramundi. This is our mother's totem. These barramundi are a little bit salt...
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"This is a Dhuwa Story. In my back country in the other side we have lots of Barramundi. This is our mother's totem. These barramundi are a little bit salt and a little bit fresh water. The Rarrk is depicting the water, and the shape of the tail and mouth indicate that they are Barramundi. The Rarrk is the fish and the water." - Billy Black



This beautiful depiction of Ratjuk (Barramundi) in the animated and calligraphic style becoming synonymous with Billy Black's work is painted on a background of the traditional crosshatching (Rarrk) technique of North east Arnhem land. The Rarrk represents the water, abundant with fish which could be salt water or freshwater. Freshwater Barramundi with yellow/orange eyes has a sweeter flesh than the red eyed ocean dwelling Barramundi with firmer flesh. Barramundi has always been a staple food source for Yolngu and often 40 to 50 fish are caught in a few hours, cooked in silver paper on a fire to feed the hunters. The rest are strung on vine ropes and shared with family.

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642 Tucks Road, Shoreham, Vic. 3916
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