Bardip - artwork, meaning and stories

Winyarr Woka by Alkina Edwards

Winyarr Woka depicts Aboriginal women on Country, specifically matriarchal Elders, sisters, aunties, mothers, nieces and cousins connecting with one another and the land. The story encompasses practising and teaching culture, healing, and passing history and knowledge from generation to generation.

Dungala Winyarr by Alkina Edwards

Dungala Winyarr represents our river Women within the Yorta Yorta Nation.

As you can see I have placed our women at the front of the design on the Banks of the Wala (Waters) signifying their knowledge, wisdom and resilience. Within the middle of the design I have placed the beautiful Dungala(Murray River/Big Mighty Waters).

The Dungala is our dreaming, connection to culture, our life source, a place of gathering and continues to sustain the Yorta Yorta people. The Long neck turtles represent the Nation. Our beautiful totem. The gum leaves towards the top and bottom represent the cleansing of country and spirits.

Nyapa Dreaming by Jhonny Jungala Cusak 2016

Nyapa Dreaming (Rainwater Story) tells of the journey of the water Spirits who travel the lands bringing the rain and replenishing the Soaks and underground river and springs bringing life and new growth to the deserts for the animals and people.

Women Sitting Story depicts women gathering around waterholes in the Murchison River.

These gatherings are places for teaching younger girls about roles and responsibilities, celebrating family milestones, and sharing culture. Surrounding elements reference nearby streams where emus search for water.

Alkina Edwards Yorta Yorta artist

Artist: Alkina Edwards

Alkina Edwards is a contemporary Yorta Yorta artist from Echuca, on Yorta Yorta Country.

Creating art since childhood, Alkina learned cultural symbols, stories and appropriate artistic practices from family members and Elders.

Working across canvas painting and digital art, Alkina uses vibrant contemporary designs to share cultural knowledge, lived experience and connections to Country.

Alkina’s work is strongly inspired by family, community and the stories of Elders, with recurring themes of cultural identity, women’s empowerment, resilience, healing and the passing of knowledge between generations.

@alkinascreations on Instagram

Artist: Beverley Egan

Beverley Egan is a Yamatji artist born in Mullewa who speaks the Wadjarri language and maintains strong connections with Country and traditional culture throughout the Murchison and Gascoyne regions.
 
Working primarily with acrylic paint, Beverley is recognised for vibrant contemporary artworks that share women’s stories and stories from her family’s Country.
 
Beverley’s paintings frequently explore women gathering, collecting bush foods, participating in ceremony and maintaining strong relationships with family, community and Country.
 
Beverley has also supported cultural learning through community workshops and collaborative art projects in Western Australia.

Artist: Jhonny Jungala Cusak

Jhonny Jungala Cusak, also listed as Johnny Cusack Japangardi, is a Warlpiri, Gurindji and Anmatjerre artist from the Northern Territory. Jhonny began painting in 1996 after receiving permission and cultural guidance from senior Warlpiri and Gurindji Elders and Lawmen.

Jhonny’s work draws upon strong family and ancestral connections across the Central Tanami Desert, sharing Dreamings, histories and spiritual journeys passed down through generations.

Through richly detailed contemporary paintings, Jhonny helps preserve cultural knowledge while exploring themes including Country, kinship, traditional law, ancestral journeys and the teaching of younger generations.

Copyright notice: Artwork and stories on this website are shared with permission from the respective artists. All artwork, stories, and associated cultural knowledge remain the intellectual and cultural property of the artists