James Gaykamangu

Country: Milingimbi, East Arnhemlandl
DOB: 12th December 1947

James is a Yolgnu artist, his country is in the Northern Territory of Australia. His paintbrush is made of strands of hair tied to a small twig. The thickness of the lines and the way they are applied are very important – besides Skin, they tell the clan and country of the artist.

James is a qualified teacher and interpreter, he is fluent in 17 Aboriginal languages as well as English. He has worked as a field officer for the Northern Land Council and as a community adviser. In 2003 he graduated from College with a Diploma in Management and Administration. He now works as a legal and medical interpreter at Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin Magistrates Court and Supreme Court, Prisons and Police interviews for North-East Arnhemland people.

Only the four ochre colours are used; Yellow for the sun, Red for the blood of mother earth – she bleeds for you when you are born and when you die, White is used for body designs in ceremony, Black has secret meanings but is also the charcoal rubbed into cuts to create Cicatrice (raised scars) for tribal markings.

Please click on an image to take you to the page for the art.

Contact us if you would like to see more of James art.