Peter Nabarkambarl

The artist Mr Peter Nabarlambarl, nawagadj, artist and ceremonial leader of the Kunwinjku language group was born at Miardidj on the Mann River in Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory circa 1932 and died at Kubarllanjnja in Arnhem Land in 2001, aged about 69.

The well-known artist Bardayal Nadjamerrek taught Peter to paint in the mid 1980’s. Peter went on to develop a distinctive style where the given motif is divided into geometrical segments in-filled with simple parallel hatching. Peter was the 2000 winner of ‘Best Work on Paper’ in the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards. His work is held in the National Gallery of Australia, in State and Territory Museums and Art Galleries, and in many private collections throughout the country and overseas.

The artwork Namarrkon (The Lightning Spirit Being) is a guardian of the laws. He is especially active from late November when the season of Kurnumeleng is characterised by spectacular pre-monsoonal storms. Namarrkon has stone axes attached to the joints of his body which he throws down to earth to create thunder. He is also encircled with an arc of lightning with which he can strike people, to remind them of the consequences of invoking the spiritual power.

Injalak Arts and Crafts Association is located in Gunbalanya (Oenpelli) in the Northern Territory. The Association aims to promote and preserve the indigenous art and culture of Western Arnhem Land. Any income stays within the community and assists in its development. Injalak Arts and Crafts, PMB 131, Gunbalanya, NT 0822. Tel: (08) 8979-0190 Email: injalak@austarnet.com.au
Copyright for both painting and text remains with Injalak Arts and may not be reproduced.

Claire Pallant

Graphic Artist and Web Design