Collection: Timothy Djandjomerr

Timothy originates from Mudginberri, here in Kakadu. As with many aboriginal artists, Timothy paints the stories he was told as a small child. He comes from a rich heritage of artists and was taught to paint by his father and his father's nephew. They taught him about history and life through art and this is a way or sharing, remembering and understanding the country, culture and history of Kakadu.

He paints with 'grass' which is the stem of a freshwater reed that has many fibres inside. These are prepared to the thickness required for his Skin Group. The thickness of the lines and the way they are applied are very important - besides Skin, they tell the Clan and Country of the artist.

He uses the four traditional ochre colours used in this part of Australia:

• Yellow - for the sun
• Red - for the blood of mother earth; she bleeds for you when you are born and when you die
• White - is used for body designs in ceremony
• Black - has secret meanings but is also charcoal rubbed into cuts to create raised scars for tribal markings