Nguk-al yotam-an Puulwuya! (Lots of owls in the tree!)
2022
Medium
earth pigments and synthetic polymer paint on Milkwood (Alstonia actinophylla)
Measurements
226.0 × 101.5 × 59.7 cm (installation)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased with funds donated by Barbara Hay and the Hay Family, 2022
2022
Gallery location
Not on display
About this work
‘These owls belong to my family on my father’s side. Nguk (owl) like to sit on trees as one family. They wait for something to move so they can have dinner. They always hunt at night-time. Minh Nguk is a totem for my people the Wik Mah’an. They are a significant part of ritual life and belong to a Story Place near Bull Yard Station. Nguk is there for all of us. It is our Puulwuy, our totem.’
– Vernon Marbendinar, 2022
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Aurukun, Queensland
Accession Number
2022.874
Department
First Nations Australia