Rainbow birds and parrots
2018
Medium
synthetic polymer paint on Milkwood (Alstonia actinophylla)
Measurements
58.2 × 50.3 × 23.2 cm (overall)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased with funds donated by Barbara Hay, 2018
© The artist, courtesy Wik and Kugu Art Centre
Gallery location
Gallery 3
Ground Level, NGV Australia
About this work
Vernon Marbendinar was born at Bull Yard Outstation near Aurukun, where he still lives and works. He learnt the art of carving from his father, Lawrence Marbendinar, and is now well known for his skilfully carved totems, which include dingo, snake, bowerbird, kakalan (small eagle), ku’ (camp dogs) and native birds such as those featured in this work. Here seven Australian king parrots perch on the branches of a tree. The male parrots have red and green plumage and are positioned on a separate branch to the smaller green-feathered female parrots, who sit alongside their offspring.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Aurukun, Queensland
Accession Number
2018.1341
Department
First Nations Australia