Warthadangathi Bijarrba Ethel Thomas, Rayarriwarrtharrbayingathi Mingungurra Amy Loogatha, Grace Lillian Lee (collaborator)
Burrkunda, dress
2017
Medium
synthetic polymer paint on cotton
Measurements
114.0 cm (centre back) 21.2 cm (sleeve length)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased with funds donated by Krystyna Campbell-Pretty, 2017
Gallery location
Not on display
About this work
This work was produced by the Kaiadilt female artists from Mornington Island Arts in collaboration with Meriam Mir fashion designer, Grace Lillian Lee, who transformed their paintings into wearable art. The result is an energetic and vibrant body of work that signalled a new direction for the artists’ practice. Speaking about these unique dresses, the collective says:
The old days our mob made permanent markings on our body, burrkunda, to connect us to kandu, our blood relations, our family. Today, we continue to make markings on paper, canvas and now fabric. Together we make these markings, strengthening our connection to family and country. Today, we can share this, with a bigger world.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Gununa, Mornington Island, Queensland
Inscription
label, centre back neckline, woven in blue and purple on black acetate: Mi’art / Mornington Island
Accession Number
2017.1230
Department
First Nations Australia