Johnny Bulunbulun facts for kids

Johnny Bulunbulun (1946-2010) was an important Ganalbingu Aboriginal artist from Australia. He was known for his amazing bark paintings.

After he passed away, his art was shown in a special exhibition called "Trepang: China & the Story of Macassan - Aboriginal Trade". This exhibition was held in both Beijing, China, and Melbourne, Australia. It explored the history of trade between Aboriginal people and Macassan traders from Indonesia.

Awards and Recognition

Johnny Bulunbulun received several important awards for his artwork. These awards celebrated his talent and his contributions to Australian art.

Red Ochre Award

The Australia Council for the Arts is a group that supports arts in Australia. Since 1993, they have given out the Red Ochre Award. This award goes to an outstanding Indigenous Australian artist for their lifetime achievements. In 2004, Johnny Bulunbulun was honored with this special award.

National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award

In 2001, Johnny Bulunbulun also won the National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award. This is another very important award that celebrates the best art from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

Exhibitions of His Work

Johnny Bulunbulun's art has been shown in many places, including special exhibitions. These shows help more people see and learn about his unique paintings.

• Trepang: China & the story of Macassan – Aboriginal Trade: This exhibition was shown at the Capital Museum in Beijing, China.
• Trepang: China & the story of Macassan – Aboriginal Trade: The same exhibition also traveled to the Melbourne Museum in Australia.

Where to See His Art

Johnny Bulunbulun's artworks are kept in many important art collections around the world. This means his paintings are preserved and can be seen by people for many years to come.

• Artbank, Sydney
• Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney
• Art Gallery of Western Australia, Perth
• Central Collection, Australian National University, Canberra
• Djomi Museum, Maningrida
• Edith Cowan University Collection, Perth, Western Australia
• Flinders University Art Museum, Adelaide
• Holmes à Court Collection, Perth
• Kluge Foundation, Morven Estate, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
• Milingimbi Collection, MECA, Milingimbi Educational and Cultural Association
• Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Darwin
• Museum of Contemporary Art, Maningrida Collection, Sydney
• National Gallery of Australia, Canberra
• National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
• National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour, Sydney
• Parliament House Art Collection, Canberra
• The Kelton Foundation, Santa Monica, USA