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Marilyn James, Yam Daisy, Lino print fabric

Marilyn James, Yam Daisy, Lino print fabric

$200.00 AUD
$200.00 AUD
Sale Sold out
Taxes included.

Artist: Marilyn James
Title: Yam Daisy
Materials: Lino print fabric, 100% cotton
Size: 180cm x 112cm

Each unique fabric comes with an artist certificate of authenticity. 

In Kuninjku the name manbirrbbirr is used for a number of densely flowering shrubs and small trees including Verticordia cunninghamii, yellow flowering Austromyrtus species and also Acacia platycarpa which also has dense white. 

Marilyn is a senior artist with profound cultural knowledge, which she incorporates into her textiles and design work.

An integral member of the Bábbarra Women’s Centre, Marilyn plays a versatile role in the studio, contributing to retail, printing, and designing. She has proudly represented Bábbarra at the Tarnanthi Art Fair in Adelaide, a highlight of her artistic journey.

Marilyn’s first design portrays the story of Lorrkkon (funeral log), a significant part of her family’s artistic legacy.

“This is the story of my great-great-grandfather and grandmother, both bark painters and Lorrkkon painters. I remember their stories and chose to make this my first design. My mother was also a weaver—she made pandanus hats, floormats, baskets, and dilly bags.”

Her lino print designs also depict Ranba (beach) and Yokkarra (fish), as well as Ngaduma (palm tree) and Barruar (seagull egg).

Marilyn lives in Manayingkarírra (Maningrida), where she was born, alongside her children and grandchildren.

This fabric was created using the linocut printing technique. The lino tile has been carved by the artist in Maningrida, and has been printed by hand using a variety of colours and layers. The linocut technique ensures each textile piece is a one-off, limited edition piece.

Bábbarra Women’s Centre supports the economic independence of Indigenous women in the Arnhem Land community of Maningrida, Northern Territory, Australia. Designs created by the women at Bábbarra reflect strong cultural knowledge, which is passed down to younger generations through their textile design practice.

Bábbarra Women’s Centre has a proud history of positive social impact. Since 1983, we have supported the continuation of culture and economic independence of Indigenous women in the community of Maningrida and on surrounding homelands.

Originally established as a women’s refuge, Bábbarra Women’s Centre now provides activities, employment and training opportunities through the establishment and operation of appropriate small business enterprises. The centre runs a textile workshop specialising in the production of hand-printed fabric designs that reflect the makers’ connection to country and their extensive cultural knowledge.

The world knows about us. We’re big. We’ve been everywhere.

Deborah Wurrkidj, artist of Bábbarra Designs

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