In her first ever solo exhibition, And I am still here, Nonggirrnga Marawili exhibits natural affinity with her craft; this impressive body of work, which features bark paintings and Larrakitj, display organic patterns that reflect an engrained, natural understanding of her culture, history and environment. 

Born circa 1939 in Baniyala, NT, Nonggirrnga Marawili draws inspiration for her artistic practice from her familial ties, such as painting cross-hatched motifs from the Djapu clan of her late husband, artist and statesman D. Mununggurr, who won best bark painting at the National Aboriginal Art Awards in 1997. Nonggirrnga also paints the designs of her mother’s Galpu clan, as well as those belonging to her own Madarrpa clan. Nonggirrnga Marawili is one of the most highly regarded artists at Buku Larrnggay Mulka, Yirrkala, Northern Territory, and in 2012 she received well-deserved recognition having been announced as a finalist in the prestigious Togart Contemporary Art Award.

-Beverly Knight 

Image: © Nonggirrnga Marawili, Alcaston Gallery