Wanapati Yunupiŋu: Ŋäṉarr - Tongue of Flame

In the case of the works in this show, the Gumatj clan sacred design which Wanapati explores is gurtha or fire. But not just any fire. This is a Fire of supernatural intensity. So powerful that it transforms the land it touched for all time. Its identity is etched into every atom of Gumatj land it spread, or was carried, to.

Or more accurately the identity of the land holds the memory of The Fire (capitalised like 'The Flood' of the Bible). Events like the recent Victorian and South Coast NSW fires help us understand the message carried in this ancient pattern. This design is sacred because it reveals a hidden secret.

Will Stubbs, Yirrkala 2025