Luke Djalagarrarra, Blue Bird Sculpture, 88cm

• Aboriginal Artist - Luke Djalagarrarra
• Community - Ngukurr
• Aboriginal Art Centre - Ngukurr Arts Aboriginal Corporation
• Catalogue number - 242-22
• Materials - Acrylic on carved wood
• Size(cm) - H88 W7 D10
• Display - Freestanding

‘I wanted to experiment with carving on this bird. I saw it was a really nice piece of wood with good grain, so I decided to carve out the body completely. This way you can see the wood like I can when I am making them. I have painted my songlines at the top and bottom to add to more story of this bird.’ – Luke Djalagarrarra

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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