Students and teachers

I am Johnny Mawurndjul and I will tell you a history about long ago in the time of my ancestors and also the new time of the new generation.

 John Mawurndjul

This learning resource is designed to build confidence in thinking and talking about the work of John Mawurndjul. It features three key concepts relating and responding to the exhibition and John Mawurndjul’s broader practice. This allows you to approach the content in modular way and select the information and experiences you would most like to have in the classroom.

This resource has been developed to be used by a broad range of students from upper primary through to secondary. You'll also find links to artist videos, glossary and images, so you can use the entire website to enrich the learning experience. This resource is designed to respond to the exhibition, however it can also be used without visiting the exhibition and after the exhibition has concluded.

Each section contains quotes and video interviews with John Mawurndjul, warm up and discussion questions and activities. There are additional provocations designed for early learners to provide self-directed experiences.

John Mawurndjul, 2016. Photograph: Tristan Derátz. John Mawurndjul, 1986. Photograph: Martin van der Wal

Learn: Mankerrnge la mankare (The old and the new)

For John Mawurndjul, the old and the new co-exist and are inextricably connected. This learning resource unpacks John's innovative practice within an inherited cultural practice.

John Mawurndjul prepares barks over a fire

Learn: Kunred (home)

John Mawurndjul’s practice is defined by the kunred (places) he is connected to. This learning resource asks students to consider how places are defined by the stories, histories and events that take place on them.

Anchor Kulunba and John Mawurndjul preparing the trapping fence in a river with manborkorr grass

Learn: Djungkay (Cultural manager)

Whilst balancing the demands of being an internationally acclaimed artist, John Mawurndjul maintains his cultural custodianship and responsibility as a Djungkay. In this learning resource we consider the manner in which John openly and generously shares his cultural inheritance through his artistic practice, while still retaining undisclosed cultural information.

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John Mawurndjul with a ‘ghetto blaster’ at Manmoyi outstation

Biography

Selected biography of John Mawurndjul

Murray Garde, Clothilde Bullen, John Mawurndjul and Ananais Jawulba, 2018. Photograph: Nici Cumpston

Glossary

by Murray Garde, with recordings by John Mawurndjul, Zebedee Bonson and Ananais Jawulba

Language map and places - South of Maningrida

Places & language

Places of cultural significance and the Kuninjku language

Maningrida Arts & Culture

Maningrida Arts & Culture is based on Kunibídji country in Arnhem Land in Australia’s Northern Territory. The area where artists live encompasses 7,000 square kilometres of land and sea, and over 100 clan estates, where people speak more than 12 distinct languages.