Glen Namundja
Gunbalanya, NT
Wakih is a kind of freshwater shrimp (Leptopalaemon gagadjui). It is found only in West Arnhem Land, hence the species name gagadjui, derived from Gagudju, the Indigenous name for the language and people of Kakadu.
About the Artist
Glen Namundja is a passionate artist who grew up at Markolidjban outstation near the Liverpool River in West Arnhem Land. He now lives in Gunbalanya. Glen comes from a long line of highly regarded artists, and his art is a reflection of his devotion to culture and art making.
Drawing on great cultural integrity and knowledge for inspiration, he creates intense compositions that merge West Arnhem Land figurative painting with extensive rarrk patterning. These complex works are often densely populated with entwined figures imbued with a compelling potency.
His first solo exhibition was held in Naarm / Narrm / Melbourne in 2008, and in 2009 his work Likkanaya and Marrayka was awarded the Telstra Works on Paper Award at the Telstra NATSIAA. He has been a Telstra NATSIAA finalist several times and his work is held in public and private collections, including the National Gallery of Victoria.
