Balang (Mick) Kubarkku

Among the peoples of western Arnhem Land, Lightning Spirits are considered to be responsible for creating the spectacular electrical storms at the onset of the monsoon season known as kunemeleng. The region has one of the highest concentrations of lightning strikes in the world. Kubarkku has depicted Ngalmarrkon, in characteristic pose with multiple limbs that reflect the shards of lightning made by her throwing stone axe-heads, such as those depicted on her shoulders, down to the ground. The configuration of Barrkinj’s body refers to ngaldjurr the Leichhardt’s Grasshopper (Petasida ephippigera) that is active at that time of year.

Kubarkku was a mainstay of the artists’ group in the settlement of Maningrida where he commenced his public career in 1963. In 1972 he returned to live in his clan lands on the Mann River, where he painted Female Lightning Spirit. Kubarkku’s work is held in most major public art museums and private collections of Aboriginal art in Australia and overseas. He has been represented in several important exhibitions including Dreamings: The Art of Aboriginal Australia in New York in 1988.

Wally Caruana

Cf. For two similar works by the artist, held in the collection of the National Gallery of Victoria, see: Ryan, J., (ed), Land Marks, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, 2006, p. 27