Claude Mowaljarlai Waanamal
Art centre
Born
1983, Derby
Lives and works
Kalumburu
| Born in Derby, Claude learned to paint by watching his father David Mowaljarlai, a senior traditional lawman of the Ngarinyin people in the West Kimberley. Claude follows a long line of artists who are keeping their culture alive through art. Claude attended art college in Perth and has painted for most of his life. His paintings display cultural beliefs, incorporating various incarnations of Wandjina, a powerful Rain Maker spirit associated with the north-west region of the Kimberley. His paintings feature Rimijmurra, a powerful Wandjina whose exploits as a thief are part of his identity: he used to take from the other Wandjinas when they were hunting or fishing. |