Moon Dreaming circa 1995
Natural pigments on eucalyptus bark
127 x 72 cm approx. (irregular)
Mick Kubarkku commenced painting his Moon Dreaming series in 1990. ‘The
circular shape of the rock formation is reminiscent of the moon. Most of Kubarkku’s
Moon Dreaming series ‘relate to the Dird Djang sites in his estate
close to Yikarrakkal Outstation, including one major site that consists of
a large
circular hole in a sandstone outcrop, which the artist says was formed by
the Rainbow Serpent piercing the rock.’
A long time ago the moon was
a man, but he turned himself into the moon. I have made a painting
of the rock where the Rainbow Serpent pierced a hole in the stone.
Then the Dreaming lay on top of her. She is now underneath
and the stone is on the top.
According to local mythology, the moon is associated
with the concept of mortality and rebirth and Moon argued this point
with adversary, the Spotted Quoll. The Quoll believed that death was
final, but the Moon argued that when he died he would be renewed. The
Moon then proceeded to prove his point by flying up into the heavens
to become the moon that waxes and wanes each lunar month.’ Ref:
Margie West, ‘Rainbow Sugarbag and Moon’, Museum and Art
Gallery of the North Territory, Darwin 1995 p.26.
PROVENANCE
Framed Gallery, Darwin
Kubarkku was born in the escarpment country of Arnhemland at a place called
Kukabarnka, which is close to the Liverpool River. During his early years of
growing up he would with the rest of his family travel widely across much of
the surrounding country. Once adolescence was attained Kubarkku participated
in many ceremonies, namely the Gunabibi and the Mardayin. It was through these
ceremonies and along with the knowledge of the elder members of his clan that
Kubarkku gained the knowledge that he now has.
REPRESENTED
National Gallery of Victoria
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Art Gallery of South Australia
Art Gallery of Western Australia
Art Gallery of Queensland
Museums and Art Galleries of the Northern Territory
