Wally Wilfred, Devil Devil, 42x30cm Perspex

• Aboriginal Artist - Wally Wilfred
• Community - Ngukurr
• Aboriginal Art Centre - Ngukurr Arts Aboriginal Corporation
• Catalogue number - 392/19
• Materials - Acrylic paint on perspex with clear perspex overlay(reflective), rivets (visible in images) and hanging mechanism on reverse. Please note light scratching on the overlay perspex which does not detract from the work (cut/made in the community) 
• Size(cm) - H42 W30 D(0.6)
• Postage variants - Artwork posted flat with hanging mechanism
• Orientation - As displayed

This one is the devil devil, look out for him; he is a fighting man with blades on his knees and legs. He has blades on his arms and they can rip you wide open. He is a hunting devil devil with 4 dilly bags for his tools and magic powder. He can hear and see everything in the bush. The bones are for the people that have passed away that may be in the caves or coffin logs. We have special songs during corroborees when someone has passed away, we all gather together to sing and dance. The devil devil is an important part of this ceremony and this painting represents his role in this part of our culture.

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Ngukurr Arts Centre sits a stone’s throw from the banks of the Roper River in South East Arnhem Land. Ngukurr Arts, like the town of Ngukurr itself, is unique – bringing together people of many different clans and language groups.

There has never been one distinct school or style associated with Ngukurr Arts but what is typical of the work is boldness – the legacy of artists who have gone before, such as Ginger Riley, Gertie Huddlestone, Sambo Barra Barra and Maureen Thomson. Over time, Ngukurr artists have become renowned for their adventurous styles in interpreting stories and landscapes.

Today, artists are supported to explore new techniques. Each artist recontextualises the technique in relation to their own country and culture, to create works that are wholly unique.

In this place of many stones, diversity is a strength. Many artists of different influences work alongside each other balancing the old and the new, passing on the stories that link us all.

Text: Courtesy Ngukurr Arts Aboriginal Corporation