Muluymuluy Wirrpanda Buḻwutja & Gunga (Water Yam & Pandanus): In partnership with Buku-Larrnggay Mulka

7 February - 1 March 2026

Overview

BULWUTJA (Water Yam)

'This story is from a long time ago. People travelled around from place to place to hunt for ŋatha (food). First we dig in the water for Buḻwutja. Then we make a fire. When the fire burns down we take the coals to one side and put sand on top of them. Then the hot sand cooks the Buḻwutja. When you pick the Buḻwutja it is white from the water. It tastes sweet. We have eaten this ŋatha for a long time. New generation always goes to the shop to get shop food.' Muluymuluy Wirrpanda

Art meets ecology in the solo exhibition by Northeast Arnhem Land bark painter Muluymuluy Wirrpanda.
Born in 1959, Muluymuluy is a painter, ecologist and ranger with the Yirralka Rangers of Northeast Arnhem Land. She is a matriarch for her family and is constantly moving from ceremony to ceremony to participate in the Yolŋu spiritual cycle.

Sister of the late painter, cultural leader and botanical artist, Mulkun Wirrpanda (1947-2021), Muluymuluy comes from a large family of well-known bark painters, including her nieces Gurrundul and Yalmakany Marawili. As with those artists, she works with their illustrious art centre Buku-Larrnggay Mulka at Yirrkala.

Here, the lace-like patterns of her paintings weave over their bark surfaces in soft pinks, tans and monochrome ochres as she relates the stories and uses of two important plants of her region: the buḻwutja (water yam) and gunga (pandanas). In documenting their botanical features, traditional use and the creation stories relating to these plants, Muluymuluy aims to preserve knowledge of them for future generations.

Each painting details an extensive cultural history while also demonstrating the wide range of applications of these plants in weaving, as bandages and other practical uses and especially their medicinal and health-giving properties.

Muluymuluy has been exhibiting since 2018, however her painting career is frequently interrupted by work as a dedicated ranger, educator and cultural leader. Her work was included in the extensive exhibition Yolŋu Power at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, 2025 and Miwatj Yolŋu - Sunrise People, Bundanon, NSW, 2024.

This is her first solo exhibition in Victoria

OPENING EVENT: Curators' Introduction and opening drinks

Saturday February 7 at 2 pm
Book: everywhenart.eventbrite.com.au
EXHIBITION DATES : February 7-March 1, 2026