Ben Jangala Gallagher, Yankirri Jukurrpa (Emu Dreaming) - Ngarlikurlangu, 61x46cm

• Aboriginal Artist - Ben Jangala Gallagher
• Community - Nyirripi
• Aboriginal Art Centre - Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation
• Catalogue number - 1705/18ny
• Materials - Acrylic on canvas
• Size(cm) - H61 W46 D2
• Postage variants - This work is posted un-stretched and rolled for safe shipping
• Orientation - Painted from all sides and OK to hang as wished

This particular site of the Yankirri Jukurrpa, (emu Dreaming [Dromaius novaehollandiae]) is at Ngarlikurlangu, north of Yuendumu. The ‘yankirri’ travelled to the rockhole at Ngarlikurlangu to find water. This Jukurrpa story belongs to Jangala/Jampijinpa men and Nangala/Nampijinpa women. In contemporary Warlpiri paintings traditional iconography is used to represent the Jukurrpa, associated sites and other elements. Emus are usually represented by their ‘wirliya’ (footprints), arrow-like shapes that show them walking around Ngarlikurlangu eating ‘yakajirri’ (bush raisin [Solanum centrale]). In the time of the Jukurrpa there was a fight at Ngarlikiurlangu between a ‘yankirri’ ancestor and Wardilyka (Australian bustard [Ardeotis australis]) ancestors over sharing the ‘yakajirri’. There is also a dance for this Jukurrpa that is performed during initiation ceremonies.

“I like painting because it’s my dreaming” Ben Jangala Gallagher was born in Yuendumu, a remote Aboriginal community located 290 km north-west of Alice Springs in the NT of Australia. His mother is Mary Napangardi Gallagher and his father is Charlie Jampijinpa Gallagher (dec). His family moved to Nyirripi in 1978. His mother paints with Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation, an Aboriginal owned and governed art centre located in Yuendumu. He has four brothers, Duncan, Richard, Eldy and Rea. After attending the local school in Yuendumu Ben became a carpenter, travelling around the country building houses. He is married to Sarah Napurrurla White, who also paints for Warlukurlangu Artists. They have one daughter. Ben has been painting with Warlukurlangu Artists since 2007. He paints his Jukurrpa stories, stories which relate directly to his land, its features and animals. Dreamings include Yankirri Jukurrpa (Emu dreaming) Warlawaurru Jukurrpa (Wedge-tailed Eagle Dreaming) and Janyinki Jukurrpa (Janyinki dreaming), an area close to Yuendumu. When not working or painting he loves to play sport.