AM 421/02 Billy Dulman Namarnkol Djang 1999
Ochres on Arches Paper 1/2 sheet 760 x 1020mm C-N-134-9-99 $1,980
The Namarnkol or barramundi is the renowned game fish of the 'Top End' of Australia. They grow to extraordinary sizes and are excelent eating. The namarnkol can be found in saltwater as well as freshwater billabongs and rivers. These fish have significance as food and as totems and are most easily caught after the end of the monsoon (March -April) until the humid build-up season (October). At the centre of the painting is a marrunj palm which also belongs to the Djang. The fish in this painting has been rendered in the x-ray style with its internal organs showing which is the hallmark of Oenpelli or western Arnhem Land paintings.