Lightning Man by Timothy Djandjomerr

Timothy Djandjomerr

As with many aboriginal artists, Timothy Djandjomerr paints the stories he was told as a small child. 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. 

Lightning Man, Namarrkon, remains one of the most significant mythological figures in Kakadu. He lives above the clouds, and hits and bangs his stone axes together, which are attached to his elbows and knees. Many paintings show how the electricity flows around his body from his testicles to his head.  He starts the lightning show to communicate to Bininj that something has been done wrong. It is told that Namarrkon gets specifically angry when people get married to the wrong spouses.

Dimensions: 40cm W x 50cm H

This artwork has been purchased directly from an Aboriginal artist in Kakadu National Park or Arnhem Land. Ochre Art Gallery is committed to supporting artists, their families and the local community.