A groundbreaking exhibition presenting the mythological, environmental and historical significance of the major site Yalangbara, in north-east Arnhem Land. This is the first Indigenous art exhibition to focus upon one clan’s ancestral land. It is also the first major survey show for the talented Marika family, one of Australia’s foremost artistic dynasties.

Yalangbara or Port Bradshaw is the land sit of the Djang’kawu, the ancestral lawgivers and founders of all Dhuwa moiety clans in north-east Arnhem land. The exhibition illustrates the creative journey of the Djang’kawu from Burralku to Yalangbara, a journey that involved naming animals and plants they encountered, creating the landform, giving birth to the people and performing ceremonies.

On display is a diverse range of over 60 artworks produced by three generations of Marika artists including the very first bark painting produced at Yirrkala in the 1930s, the rare, large crayon drawings collected by anthropologist Ronald Berndt in the 1950s, and the monumental barks collected by Tony Tuckson for the Art Gallery of New South Wales, as well as contemporary paintings, prints, sculptures and fibre items. The Yalangbara digging stick normally on display next to the famous Bark Petition in Parliament House will also be on exhibition.

Presented by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory in partnership with members of the Marika family and the National Museum of Australia.

www.nt.gov.au/nreta/museums/