Life is better with art
Thomasina Dennis, Birlmu or Namarnkorl (Barramundi), 144x55cm
Aboriginal Art by Thomasina Dennis, Birlmu or Namarnkorl (Barramundi), 144x55cm - ART ARK®
Aboriginal Art by Thomasina Dennis, Birlmu or Namarnkorl (Barramundi), 144x55cm - ART ARK®
Aboriginal Art by Thomasina Dennis, Birlmu or Namarnkorl (Barramundi), 144x55cm - ART ARK®

Thomasina Dennis, Birlmu or Namarnkorl (Barramundi), 144x55cm

£598 1540+ Reviews

Original Artwork from a Community-Run, Not-for-Profit Art Centre, Complete with a Certificate of Authenticity Issued by Them.

Ethical Art Made Easy Fast & Free Delivery 120-Day Easy Returns (Not That You’ll Need Them) Colour-Corrected Images (What You See Is What You Get)

  • Aboriginal Artist - Thomasina Dennis
  • Community - Maningrida
  • Aboriginal Art Centre - Maningrida Arts and Culture
  • Catalogue number - 1729-24
  • Materials - Pandanus and Natural Dyes
  • Size(cm) - H144 W55cm
  • Postage - Posted flat
It is well known that Aboriginal art often depicts images of sacred totems or dreamings of Aboriginal culture. However, the world of the non-sacred also provides a rich source of subject matter for Aboriginal art. Much of the rock art of western Arnhem Land for example features secular topics such as common food animals and plants, depicted because of their economic importance but also merely because of their existence in the environment.

The artist has woven a Birlmu or Namarnkorl (Barramundi, Lates calcarifer). During the dry season, barramundi serve as an important food source for inland Aboriginal people.

These fish are caught throughout the artist’s clan estate, either in fish traps woven from pandanus or sedge grass, or hunted with spears and fishing lines in billabongs and streams. There, they shelter from the sun under fallen logs or among the leaves of water plants.

Details are currently unavailable

An art movement that is striking, political and enduring: this is what contemporary artists in Maningrida and the surrounding homelands have built, powered by their ancestral connections to country and djang.

Ways of learning and schools of art in Arnhem Land are based around a system of passing knowledge and information on to others. The art here has its genesis in body design, rock art and cultural practices, in concert with more than 50 years of collaborations, travel and political action to retain ownership of country. Values and law are expressed through language, imagery, manikay (song), bunggul (dance), doloppo bim (bark painting), sculptures, and kun-madj (weaving) – the arts.

The artists’ transformation of djang into contemporary artistic expression has intrigued people around the world: art curators and collectors, and stars including Yoko Ono, Jane Campion, David Attenborough and Elton John. Pablo Picasso said of Yirawala’s paintings, ‘This is what I’ve been trying to achieve all my life.’

Yirawala (c.1897–1976) was a legendary Kuninjku leader, artist, land-rights activist and teacher, and his artwork was the first of any Indigenous artist to be collected by the National Gallery of Australia as part of a policy to represent in depth the most significant figures in Australian art.

Maningrida Arts & Culture is based on Kunibídji country in Arnhem Land in Australia’s Northern Territory. The area where artists live encompasses 7,000 square kilometres of land and sea, and over 100 clan estates, where people speak more than 12 distinct languages. Aboriginal people in this region are still on country, surviving and resilient because their country is the centre of their epistemology, their belief system, culture – djang.

Artists’ works from the larger Maningrida region can be seen in collections and institutions around the world. We work with museums, contemporary galleries and high-end retailers both nationally and internationally on projects throughout the year.

Text courtesy: Maningrida Arts and Culture



Ethical Aboriginal Art


Warm your home with beautiful Aboriginal art from the world’s oldest living culture. When you purchase, you support the artist and their community art centre. Your artwork will arrive exactly as shown, colour-accurate, carefully packed, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from a community-based art centre. Enjoy free insured delivery and a 120-day return policy for a seamless, confident, and ethical buying experience.


Authenticity


Only certificates from community-based Aboriginal art centres guarantee ethical sourcing. Every ART ARK® piece includes this important documentation. Learn more about Aboriginal Art Authenticity.


Hassle-Free Art Buying


We love our artworks, and we think you will too! However, if for any reason you are not 100% satisfied in any way with your artwork then you can return it within 120 days of receipt for a full refund. Learn more about Delivery and Returns.


Framing Aboriginal Art


To keep pricing transparent, we deliver artworks as they come to us—unframed and priced in accordance with each art centre. Canvas and linen pieces are rolled for easy re-stretching at your local framer. Bark paintings and smaller items from our Stretched Desert Paintings collection arrive ready to hang. Watercolours should be framed behind glass, either custom or pre-made. Learn more about Framing Aboriginal Art.


Kind Words


Our customers love our fast deliveries, the accuracy of our images, and our ethical business model. See our Customer Reviews to learn more.


Layby


We’re flexible and want to support you as you support the artists. Traditional layby is available—simply pay a 20% deposit at checkout using code LAYBY20, and we’ll send you an invoice for the remaining balance within 24 hours. You can then make payments as you wish over 2 months, and we’ll reconcile the total before sending your artwork.


Worldwide Delivery


Shipping from Launceston, Tasmania (Lutruwita), to your doorstep, wherever you are. Domestic deliveries are free. For international orders under $500 AUD, a $30 AUD postage fee applies; otherwise, shipping is also free. Helpful Customs Links.

Please note: International duties and taxes may vary depending on your country. Original artworks, classified under tariff 970191(0000), are duty-free in the United States and Canada. The UK applies a reduced VAT of 5%, France 5.5%, and Germany 7%. In many other countries, duties can be higher so please check. We recommend keeping this in mind when making a purchase.




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ART ARK Reviews
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03/10/2025
Natalie G.
Australia
We can’t wait to visit again!
We recently visited Art Ark on a Trip to Tasmania after many years of wanting to do so. It’s centrally located in Launceston and definitely worth the stop if you’re in the area! It’s beautifully presented and almost overwhelming with all of the incredible art on display - we could have literally...We recently visited Art Ark on a Trip to Tasmania after many years of wanting to do so. It’s centrally located in Launceston and definitely worth the stop if you’re in the area! It’s beautifully presented and almost overwhelming with all of the incredible art on display - we could have literally spent hours there! It’s by appointment only which made it a really relaxing environment to make our way through each beautiful piece of art and not feel rushed. Guy was so wonderful, he gave us the space to explore the gallery at our own pace but also on hand when we had any questions or wanted to know more about the artist or story behind the art (he was so knowledgeable!). He was also kind enough to help keep our toddler entertained with toys and activities so we could focus on looking through all of the beautiful pieces and not be stressed! We loved the philosophy behind Art Ark and their strong values around maintaining ethics in the industry. We can’t wait to visit again!
Renita Stanley, Minyma Kutjara Wingellina, 120x76cm
03/07/2025
Peta M.
Australia
Happy customer!
Great service, easy purchase with confidence and beautiful artwork.
Peggy Nampijinpa Brown, Warlukurlangu Jukurrpa (Fire country Dreaming), 91x61cm
03/07/2025
Eve B.
United States
The Explosion of Colour and Movement
Art Ark is a gem and treasure to be discovered! I have loved to read and understand the Abouriginal culture believing in the ancient wisdom it has to teach us about how to live in our world. I decided to buy my adult daughter a work that was astoundingly exquisite. I was unsure of buying something...Art Ark is a gem and treasure to be discovered! I have loved to read and understand the Abouriginal culture believing in the ancient wisdom it has to teach us about how to live in our world. I decided to buy my adult daughter a work that was astoundingly exquisite. I was unsure of buying something so far away from the states but took the risk due to the sensitive viewpoint on ethical practices. With in a very short time my daughter had received her gift and sent me a photo holding the beautiful work. I sing the praises of this good company and encourage others to place their trust in them as I was not disappointed. Hats off and kudos to honest marketing and good service
Tjimpuna Williams, Piltati Tjukurrpa, 60x43cm
03/01/2025
katherine k.
Australia
Beautiful Bark
I have received my amazingly beautiful Bark Art by Raphael Wurrkidj. It is hung proudly above my piano with my central desert weaving - dilly bags and basket. I am so very grateful for Raphael's artwork, please thank them for me.
Raphael Wurrkidj, Kun-madj - Large Dillybag Vine, 76x41cm Bark Painting
02/27/2025
Julia C.
Australia
Love love love
Gorgeous piece of art by a renowned artist! Postage was so quick. It’s great to know that this art was purchased ethically
Ivy Pareroultja, Glen Helen - West MacDonnell Ranges, 36x26cm
02/19/2025
Mathew K.
Australia
Beautiful
Thank you to all involved!
Evelyn Nangala Robertson, Ngapa Jukurrpa - Pirlinyarnu, 30x30cm
02/18/2025
Tari J.
United States
Stunning
I have always wanted some of your art and we finally bought two pieces. I love them. While there is a bit of color difference - I'm sure it is the monitor - but nevertheless I am so excited to get them hung. Both pieces are rich and I could not be more please.
Roschelle Nampijinpa Major, Warna Jukurrpa (Snake Dreaming), 152x91
02/16/2025
Shelley B.
Australia
I love Art Ark
Art Ark is so easy - I am a repeat customer. Approachable, very fast turnaround and most importantly there is transparency of who and from which community the art originates. Love the pieces I am now lucky enough to have in my home.
Vanetta Nampijinpa Hudson, Warlukurlangu Jukurrpa (Fire country Dreaming), 122x61cm
02/13/2025
David H.
Australia
Great service
I did like the quick service and good prices that Art Ark provide. I’ve particularly loved my latest painting by Leston Japaljarri Spencer, Warna Jukurrpa (Snake Dreaming), 122x107cm.
Leston Japaljarri Spencer, Warna Jukurrpa (Snake Dreaming), 122x107cm
02/12/2025
Arlene L.
United States
Love it!
Beautiful and easy. I’ve taken a while to get my painting mounted and looking forward to it gracing my house next week.
Jeffrey Jangala Gallagher, Yankirri Jukurrpa (Emu Dreaming) - Ngarlikurlangu, 61x46cm
02/02/2025
Melissa I.
United States
Amazing!
Art Ark is an amazing organization doing very important work. I reached out to Guy about visiting the gallery on our stopover in Launceston, and he very kindly welcomed us in, taught us about the organization and about aboriginal art, and told us about the artists and their work. There's an...Art Ark is an amazing organization doing very important work. I reached out to Guy about visiting the gallery on our stopover in Launceston, and he very kindly welcomed us in, taught us about the organization and about aboriginal art, and told us about the artists and their work. There's an incredible array of paintings, and Guy was very patient with us while we made our decision. When we got home to the U.S., our paintings were already there waiting for us. I can't recommend Art Ark enough for their ethics, professionalism, and the sheer quality of these incredible pieces of art.
Amanda Daegar, Ngayuku Ngura, 120x70cm
02/01/2025
Lachlan R.
Australia
Seriously Excellent
A fantastic end to end experience. My artwork arrived extremely well wrapped and packaged. The description and photos online were great and matched the product sent. Will definitely use ArtArk again.
Nathania Nangala Granites, Warlukurlangu Jukurrpa (Fire country Dreaming), 122x107cm
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Lauren B.
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Renae Nelson, Mamungari
I love this piece more in person than I thought I would! I’ve ordered from Art Ark multiple times, and each time the art that has arrived has been as pictured (or better). This time it was packaged, shipped and arrived within two days of ordering - exceptional service. Thank you
Renae Nelson, Mamungari, 61x44cm
01/15/2025
PANOS T.
Greece
kudos!
very professional the artwork was as expected. Thank you Guy and Tamika Nangala Cook
Tamika Nangala Cook, Ngurlu Jukurrpa (Native Seed Dreaming), 40x40cm
01/13/2025
Nina H.
Australia
Tina’s incredible artwork
Buying art online can sometimes be daunting but my experience at the Art Ark was first class. Extraordinarily helpful, extremely descriptive and left me feeling confident in the process. When my art arrived it was so well packed to keep it safe and to say I was delighted was an understatement....Buying art online can sometimes be daunting but my experience at the Art Ark was first class. Extraordinarily helpful, extremely descriptive and left me feeling confident in the process. When my art arrived it was so well packed to keep it safe and to say I was delighted was an understatement. Thank you so much
Tina Napangardi Martin, Jintiparnta Jukurrpa (Desert Truffle Dreaming) - Mina Mina, 183x152cm
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Kathleen W.
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Lovely paintings that crossed the world in perfect condition
As with previous purchases, these ArtArk paintings arrived in very good time, in excellent condition, and Guy was a great help with typical customs/VAT officials in France. The paintings are beautiful, the colours more vibrant than they appear on my computer screen. Can't wait to stretch them onto...As with previous purchases, these ArtArk paintings arrived in very good time, in excellent condition, and Guy was a great help with typical customs/VAT officials in France. The paintings are beautiful, the colours more vibrant than they appear on my computer screen. Can't wait to stretch them onto frames myself - and thanks to Guy, I have the confidence to do that - and geet them on the walls.
Debbie Napaljarri Brown, Wanakiji Jukurrpa (Bush Tomato Dreaming), 122x61cm
01/12/2025
Jacquelyn M.
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Gift Voucher
I’ve purchased some paintings for myself, Guy is always helpful and I love my artwork so much that I decided to buy a gift voucher as a wedding present for my niece.
Gift Card
01/12/2025
Josephine H.
Australia
Excellent professional and wonderful.
Thank you so much for the wonderful packaging of the magnificent painting by Mervyn Rubuntja. Everything about it is superb. The paperwork is also fantastic. Suffice to say I knew and worked with Wenton Rubuntja when I moved to central Australia in the mid 1980s. The houses of all my friends and...Thank you so much for the wonderful packaging of the magnificent painting by Mervyn Rubuntja. Everything about it is superb. The paperwork is also fantastic. Suffice to say I knew and worked with Wenton Rubuntja when I moved to central Australia in the mid 1980s. The houses of all my friends and family as well as our own house here in Adelaide are full of Wenten pieces both watercolour and dot paintings, on board and canvas and anything else he could find! He was an incredible man and it was wonderful to read the notes. I worked in the establishment of old people’s services and had a lot to do with Wenten and the elders in his family. As you can imagine my memories of Mervyn are of a very young boy. What I do know is that he is just utterly brilliant, his talent is outstanding and everything he does just leaps right off the paper. I had never looked at Art Ark before and was scrolling through really admiring the quality of the works and whamo there was the Mervyn and my father who has two Mervyn postcard size works I bought him, is about to turn 100, and I acted FAST! – but not as fast as my father acted when he opened the package in Sydney. He absolutely loves it and I wasn’t going to make him wait one day to look at it and enjoy it. He is very discerning and an art fanatic to put it mildly. So it’s at the framers my father rushed his almost one hundred feet out the door and had already decided where it would go on his walls. So thank you for the wonderful quality and the superb packaging (only one small pressure mark on the cardboard outside but nothing deep or problematic about it) and for giving my Dad so much joy. We miss Central Australia, we were at Wenten’s funeral and the pull of central Australia is always present. We have a lovely Mervyn painting which we have yet to frame (I did not inherit my father’s capacity for speed) and we treasure it. Thanks so much. Excellent professional and wonderful. Cheers Jo
Mervyn Rubuntja, Rutjipma (Mt Sonder), 54x35cm
01/11/2025
Isobel M.
Australia
A hidden gem!
We had the pleasure of visiting Guy’s gallery in Launceston and were blown away by the stunning collection of artwork. The gallery is a real hidden gem. We purchased a gorgeous piece by the talented Audrey that we absolutely love. The entire experience was excellent—highly recommend making an...We had the pleasure of visiting Guy’s gallery in Launceston and were blown away by the stunning collection of artwork. The gallery is a real hidden gem. We purchased a gorgeous piece by the talented Audrey that we absolutely love. The entire experience was excellent—highly recommend making an appointment if you’re in Tasmania. Thank you, Guy! Izzy & Sam
Audrey Brumby, Ngura Tjuta Munu Tjukula Tjuta, 220x142cm
01/09/2025
Sara C.
Australia
Thanks art ark!
Fast and friendly. Love the detail of narrative provided with the art piece. Thanks so much for my artwork!
Christine Nakamarra Curtis, Mina Mina Jukurrpa, 107x61cm
01/07/2025
Michael B.
Australia
Great experience
Our art arrived home before we did and we are really happy with these beautiful First Nations art works. Our experince buying them was great and they were so well packaged. We also appreciate the information on the artists and their stories. I will recommend Art Ark to our friends. Kind...Our art arrived home before we did and we are really happy with these beautiful First Nations art works. Our experince buying them was great and they were so well packaged. We also appreciate the information on the artists and their stories. I will recommend Art Ark to our friends. Kind regards, Janelle
Naomi Kantjuri - Tjanpi Basket
01/07/2025
Michael B.
Australia
Great experience
Our art arrived home before we did and we are really happy with these beautiful First Nations art works. Our experience buying them was great and they were so well packaged. We also appreciate the information on the artists and their stories. I will recommend Art Ark to our friends. Kind...Our art arrived home before we did and we are really happy with these beautiful First Nations art works. Our experience buying them was great and they were so well packaged. We also appreciate the information on the artists and their stories. I will recommend Art Ark to our friends. Kind regards, Janelle
Tanya Nungarrayi Collins, Watiya-warnu Jukurrpa (Seed Dreaming), 61x30cm
01/03/2025
ALAN R.
Australia
Easy
A prompt and easy buy, thanks!
Simone Nampijinpa Brown, Ngapa Jukurrpa (Water Dreaming) - Puyurru, 30x30cm
12/24/2024
David S.
Australia
Easy purchase
Great service. Prompt and well packed delivery. Thank you
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12/21/2024
Lynne S.
Australia
Art Purchase
Fantastic service. Guy is very knowledgeable and accommodating. I have now bought several paintings from Art Ark and can highly recommend this gallery
Lena Young, Ngayuku Ngura, 49x46cm
12/10/2024
Penny G.
Australia
Bright, Colourful, perfect gift
Thank-you to Art Ark and to other reviewers for sharing their wonderful experiences. As promised the painting we ordered arrived the next day. I was keen to get it straight away so I can get it stretched before our local art shop closed for Christmas. Art Ark is certainly reliable in their delivery...Thank-you to Art Ark and to other reviewers for sharing their wonderful experiences. As promised the painting we ordered arrived the next day. I was keen to get it straight away so I can get it stretched before our local art shop closed for Christmas. Art Ark is certainly reliable in their delivery times. As other reviews have said, and I couldn't agree more, the paintings are brighter and so evocative in person. This painting is bought as a gift for my son's 18th birthday. Yes, it's not a traditional 18th birthday gift but it makes sense for him for many reasons. I'm honoured to share the beauty and the stories of Australian indigenous artists with our son to mark his journey to adulthood in Australia. Thank-you.
Inawantji Jennifer Forbes, Minyma Kutjara, 91x61cm
12/10/2024
Briony L.
Australia
Stunning artwork
This piece by Doreen Chapman is as beautiful in person as it was when I saw it online. The subtle details like how it is painted on a black background and the lie bits of teal, really make the painting pop! The customer service from Guy has been exceptional. It’s always a pleasure to shop with Art...This piece by Doreen Chapman is as beautiful in person as it was when I saw it online. The subtle details like how it is painted on a black background and the lie bits of teal, really make the painting pop! The customer service from Guy has been exceptional. It’s always a pleasure to shop with Art Ark.
Doreen Chapman, Untitled, 76x46cm
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Jean P.
Spain
achat toile
Organisation très sérieuse. Toile emballée avec beaucoup de précautions et parfaitement protégée. Envoie international rapide dès la commande. Organisation garantie. Jean Pierre POLI
Renae Nelson, Mamungari, 107x46cm
12/09/2024
Michelle D.
Australia
Dream Experience
I recently purchased an Indigenous artwork, and it’s absolutely stunning. The colors and storytelling within the piece are captivating, and it adds such warmth and character to my space. A meaningful and beautifully crafted addition to my home—I couldn’t be happier with this purchase and experience...I recently purchased an Indigenous artwork, and it’s absolutely stunning. The colors and storytelling within the piece are captivating, and it adds such warmth and character to my space. A meaningful and beautifully crafted addition to my home—I couldn’t be happier with this purchase and experience with Art Ark.
Leanne Nungarrayi Jurrah, Yankirri Jukurrpa (Emu Dreaming) - Ngarlikurlangu, 46x46cm
12/04/2024
Don M.
Australia
Impressed
Thanks for my recent purchase which arrived on time and in good order. I have purchased several pieces of indigenous art from numerous galleries over the years but I have to say that the process with ART ARK has impressed me greatly. It's obvious that you run a well managed ethical and extremely...Thanks for my recent purchase which arrived on time and in good order. I have purchased several pieces of indigenous art from numerous galleries over the years but I have to say that the process with ART ARK has impressed me greatly. It's obvious that you run a well managed ethical and extremely efficient business and for that you deserve the utmost credit. I look forward to making further purchases in the future and enjoying your knowledgeable and informative emails. Regards, Don
Kaylisha Napaljarri Ross, Ngatijirri Jukurrpa (Budgerigar Dreaming), 50x40cm
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