Birrundudu Drawings
14 February – 4 April 2026
In 1945, sixteen Aboriginal men working at Birrundudu Station created 810 crayon drawings, commissioned by anthropologists Ronald and Catherine Berndt. Using this unfamiliar medium, the men documented their extensive knowledge of Country, ancestral creation, history, and ceremonies of the region. This exhibition will showcase over 100 of these works on paper, none of which have been exhibited before, as well as a contemporary response by Jimmy Tchooga. The exhibition is the result of years of active re-engagement with descendants and communities connected to the original artists, who have helped bring the stories and cultural significance of these drawings back to life. This exhibition also marks the 50th anniversary of the Berndt Museum, an Indigenous-led cultural institution that cares for a vast collection of works of art, ancestral objects and archives.
Presented with The Berndt Museum at Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery with support from The Berndt Research Foundation and Warlayirti Artists as part of Perth Festival 2026.
Artists Bullwaddy Warlnu, Kampiny (Quartpot) Jakamarra, Kalangka (Jackie) Janama (Japanangka), Kulminy (Tommy) Jakamarra, Lariyari (Mick) Japangarti, Lefthand (Jampu) Jungarrayi, Muluntu (Billy) Julama, Mungalyurru Jampijinpa, Nipper Wanapiti Japaljarri, Paddy Padoon Jangala, Porgi Ratnya Jungurrayi, Ralnga (Old Charlie) Janjalngana Jampijinpa, Splinter Dardayi Yani Jangala, Wattie Upar Jampijinpa, Waranjiwarnu (Paddy) Japaljarri, Yariyari (Arthur) Jangari, Muluntu (Billy) Julama, Jimmy Tchooga
Image: Splinter Dardayi Yani Jangala, Not titled (Gumurlawurru [pied butcherbird] Dreaming at Pingidijarra Hills) (detail), 1945, Birrundudu, Northern Territory, wax crayon on brown paper, Courtesy Berndt Museum, The University of Western Australia [1945/0132]
