Binyinyuwuy Djarrankuykuy facts for kids

Dick Binyinyuwuy Djarrankuykuy (born around 1928–1982) was a very important Aboriginal artist. He came from Milingimbi Island in Australia's Northern Territory. He was part of the Djarrankuykuy clan of the Djambarrpuyngu people.

During World War II, Binyinyuwuy joined a special group. This group was called the Northern Territory Special Reconnaissance Unit. They helped protect Australia's northern coast from possible invasion. After the war, in the 1950s, he became a famous artist.

About Binyinyuwuy

Binyinyuwuy was born in 1928 in Ramingining, in a place called Arnhem Land, Australia. He belonged to the Djambarrpuyngu language group. When he was young, he moved to Milingimbi Island. This island is off the northern coast of Arnhem Land.

The town of Milingimbi was started by a mission in 1923. It was a very remote and traditional community.

In 1948, Binyinyuwuy helped with a science trip. It was called the 1948 American-Australian Scientific Expedition to Arnhem Land. He helped an archeologist dig up an old well made by people from Makassar.

Later, during World War II, Binyinyuwuy joined the Northern Territory Special Reconnaissance Unit (NTSRU). From 1941 to 1943, he and other young Yolnu men helped guard their homeland. They protected the coast of Arnhem Land from enemies like the Japanese army. When the danger passed, the unit was closed. Binyinyuwuy then went back to his normal life.

In the 1950s, Binyinyuwuy sometimes got into trouble at the mission station. He didn't always agree with the presence of balanda (white people) on his land. The mission leader, Edgar Wells, was worried. He asked the community leaders what to do.

The elders told Wells that Binyinyuwuy was a very skilled painter. He also made important ceremonial objects. Wells then said that if Binyinyuwuy gave him one of his bark paintings, he would not be punished. Binyinyuwuy agreed.

Wells was amazed by the painting. He added Binyinyuwuy to a list of paid artists. This is how Binyinyuwuy's art career began. He became a very important artist in his community and around the world. This was because of his great skill and his high standing in traditional ceremonies.

As he got older, Binyinyuwuy played a central role in his community's ceremonies. His artworks were shown in many museums worldwide. He continued to make ceremonial objects and paintings until he passed away in 1982.

His daughter, Judy Lirrinyin, was inspired by her father. She has also become a well-known artist. She works through the Milingimbi Arts and Culture center.

His Art Career

Binyinyuwuy had a very high "ritual authority." This meant he was a respected leader in his community. Because of this, his paintings could show many different important stories and symbols. These included the därrpa (king brown snake), the birrkulda (honey), and the wititj (olive python).

One of his early paintings was called Banumbirr (morning star). It was collected during the 1948 AASEAL trip. He was a guardian of the Morning Star ceremony. Many of his important paintings show Morning Star ceremonial poles.

Binyinyuwuy is known for his beautiful bark paintings. He often used warm colors in his art. He was recognized alongside other great painters from his community. These included Tom Djäwa and David Malangi.

Today, you can find his work in many important museums in Australia. These include the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the National Museum of Australia. His success helped the art industry in Milingimbi continue to grow and do well today.

Where His Art Is Kept

• Art Gallery of New South Wales
• Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of the University of Virginia
• National Gallery of Australia
• National Gallery of Victoria
• National Museum of Australia

Important Art Shows

• 2007: One sun, One moon: Aboriginal Art in Australia. Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, July 3, 2007 – December 2, 2007.
• 2017: Art from Milingimbi: Taking Memories Back. Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, November 12, 2016 – January 29, 2017.
• 2019: Reinvigorating the MECA Collection. Charles Darwin University Gallery, Darwin, March 28, 2019 – July 20, 2019.