Art work titled: Djang'kawu creation story 1959
Artist: Mawalan Marika, Wandjuk Marika, Mathaman Marika and Woreimo
This piece of art work is attractive by just direct looking at it. It is a barking painting painted with natural pigments and divided into eight sections. It's story is about a journey of two men and one pregnant woman who traveled on a boat. When they saw creatures, they named them. Then they experienced big thunder storms but day stars guided them the way and sun dried them up. After that,
they reached a destination and used dig-in sticks to plunge water. Finally they settled and the pregnant woman gave birth to their ancestors. I like this creation story not only because the artist used limited art tools but painted those massive and complex patterns but also the courageous journey story behind it. From my point of view, this journey story reflects to the hardship encountered by new immigrants. I also like their courage and intelligence to adapt to new environment.