Click to enlargeGeorge Milpurrurru
1934 – 1998
- Region
- Arnhem Land
- Community
- Ramingining
- Language group
- Yolŋu – Ganalbiŋu (Ganalbingu)
Arafura Swamp Scene, c.1990
natural earth pigments on arches cotton rag paper
76 x 102 cm, 92 x 120 cm frame
- Provenance
- Painted for Reg Mason of Arnhem Land Art, Oenpelli, NT
Private Collection NSW
- Artwork story
- George Milpurrurru was raised in his father’s country, known for its sprawling wetlands and rich animal life. This painting presents a layered portrait of the Arafura Swamp - birds, fish, turtles, and freshwater plants - rendered with fine observational skill and refined rarrk.
George's strength lies in orchestrating ecological abundance with clarity and grace. Every element holds its place, forming a harmonious depiction of interconnected life cycles. The composition reads almost like a visual diagram of seasonal rhythms, hunting knowledge, and custodial stewardship.
Milpurrurru's work was featured in the 1988 Biennale of Sydney, and he was the first Aboriginal artist have a solo exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia. For collectors, Milpurrurru offers a poetic lens on Arnhem Land ecology - one that is both delicate and assured.