Numbulwar Numburindi Arts
Built on self-determination, Numbular Numburindi Arts (NNA) is a collective of artists whose mission is to keep culture strong.
Established in 2019, Numbulwar’s first art centre is 100 per cent owned and controlled by the community. Born from the community’s desire to practice and engage with traditional culture, NNA is a space for artistic and cultural expression.
Champions of fibre art, NNA artists marry naturally-dyed and locally-harvested pandanus with bright and bold ghost nets, abandoned fishing line retrieved from Numbulwar’s shoreline. Our Wulbung (baskets) and Yir (dillybags) fit as naturally in traditional applications as they do in contemporary, urban environments.
Numbulwar sits on the Rose River and belongs to the Nunggayinbala clan, one of the Wubuy or Nunggubuyu speaking clans from the region. Ceremonial activities are still very important within the region and occur regularly.
Artworks
Artist Profile/s
Yulki Nunggumajbarr
Tina Wilfred
Megan Wilfred is a Ritharrngu artist from Walker River in South-East Arnhem Land. She lives and works in Numbulwar with her sisters and niece, and is renowned for her large, painted dilly bags made from reclaimed ghost nets.
Nicola Wilfred
Mawungumain Nundhirribala
Mawungumain Nundhirribala is a Nunggayinbala woman who has lived her whole life in the Numbulwar area, since before the mission was established. Her fibre art is identifiable by its vibrant colour blocking and immaculate technicality.
Susan Murrungun
Joy Bundoola Wilfred
Born on her homelands of Walker River in 1960, Joy is a quietly-spoken artist who taught herself how to weave at the age of 20. She has two children and one grandson. She spends her time with family in Numbulwar community and regularly teaches weaving at the local school.