Jimmy Wululu facts for kids

Jimmy Wululu (born around 1936, died 2005) was an important Aboriginal Australian artist. He belonged to the Gupapuyngu language group. Jimmy Wululu was a major artist in the 1980s. He was especially known for his bark paintings and memorial poles. His artworks have been shown in many big exhibitions around the world. He also played a key role in creating the Aboriginal Memorial.

About Jimmy Wululu

Jimmy Wululu was born in 1936 and passed away on October 5, 2005. He was part of the Gupapuyngu language group. He also belonged to the Yirritja moiety, which is a traditional social group. He came from Arnhem Land in Australia.

When he was young, Jimmy Wululu grew up at the Milingimbi Methodist Mission. Before becoming an artist, he worked as a laborer and a builder. He began painting professionally in the late 1970s. His art followed the traditional styles of Arnhem Land.

His Art Career

Jimmy Wululu started his professional art career in the late 1970s. He became very famous for his art on bark and on hollow poles. His bark paintings were made in the traditional Aboriginal style. This means he used natural ochre colors on sheets of tree bark.

He often worked with another artist named David Malangu. Jimmy Wululu had special rights to paint stories from Balmbi country. These rights came from his mother's mother. This allowed him to paint the important Yathalamarra stories. He was especially known for using catfish bone designs in his bark paintings and on his poles.

Major Exhibitions

Jimmy Wululu's art was shown in many important exhibitions. One of these was the Dreaming Exhibition in the United States in 1988. In 1989, fifteen of his poles were featured in the Magiciens de la Terre show in Paris, France.

His works were also part of other notable exhibitions. These included The Continuing Traditions in 1989. His art was also seen in I Shall Never Become a White Man in Sydney in 1994. Other shows included Aratjara (1993-1994) and Paintings and Sculptures from Ramingining. This last show featured his work alongside Philip Gudthaykudthay in 1992.

Where His Art Is Kept

Jimmy Wululu's artworks are held in several major art collections. These collections help preserve his important contributions to art.

• 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

Famous Artworks

Here are some of the well-known artworks by Jimmy Wululu:

• Djaranbu ceremony (1962)
• Catfish and herringbone (1987-1988)
• Catfish and eel design (1987)
• Niwuda - Yirritja Honey
• Hollow Log Coffin with Honey and Catfish Designs (1987)
• Hollow Log Coffin with Catfish and Eel Designs (1987)
• Clan Well (1975-1976)