30/05/2026
The breathtaking and ethereal Yukuwa made especially for the exhibition by Frances Djulibing floats across the middle gallery and is inspired by thinking about the old people and the Bula’bula founders.
The Yukuwa is the vine of an edible yam found in the jungles surrounding Ramingining in the Arafura Wetlands of NE Arnhem Land. It has purple flowers and an edible root. The Yukuwa is of the Yirritja moiety and the songline comes from the sunrise. It is connected to Wunungurra family (Dhalwangu language) which is also connected to the Malibirr family (Ganalbingu language).
There is a Yukuwa dance performed at funerals and some ceremonies with string or only actions. This work is the manifestation of the idea of this dance and this songline which teaches the Ngarra (lore).
Djalkiri: The Bula'bula Arts Archiving Project is open all weekend 12 -5pm
Exhibition continues until 14 June 2026
Curated by Coby Edgar
Presented by Bula'bula Arts in collaboration with Delmar Gallery
Frances Djulibing, Yukuwa, 2026
Bunyan tree bark (Ficus virens), beeswax and feathers
dimensions variable
Documentation By Silversalt Photography