100% French flax linen.
Double handle tote bag 45x40cm, lined, inner 15cmx15cm pocket.
ABOUT THE ARTWORK:
Ngarduk Kunred, 2017 ©Helen Lanyinwanga (deceased) / Licensed by Copyright Agency
These images are not to be reproduced without the approval of the licensor.
“My design is of the kunbad (rocks) at the kunwardde (stone country). I call this country mother. These rocks live at the bottom of the kunronj (fresh water)- some are old, some are cracked and some are soft. The kunronj runs over the stones, and when we drink this water it tastes sweet and fresh.”
This design depicts the stone country near Yikarrakkal, which is Helen’s mother’s traditional country. It is country filled with important sacred sites and living spirits under the river bed hiding among the rocks.
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Helen was a senior textile artist with Bábbarra Designs since 2008. Helen had a key role mentoring young and emerging artists, and she is mother to leading Bábbarra artists including Jennifer Wurrkidj and Deborah Wurrkidj (pictured here proudly with her mother’s design), both of whom are part of the Kip&Co collaboration.
Helen was also an accomplished artist in other mediums, notably basket weavings and prints on paper. Her artwork has toured the United States and been exhibited throughout Australia, and her textile art is in the collection of the National Gallery of Australia.
Helen’s ancestor spirits were Djaddi (green monkey frog), Yawkyawk (female water spirits).
ABOUT THE COLLABORATION:
We are incredibly proud to share the Kip&Co x Bábbarra collaboration. The Bábbarra Women’s Centre is based in Maningrida, Arnhem Land, and is governed by women, for women, to enable future enterprises that support healthy and sustainable livelihoods. In 2018, we received an invitation to collaborate with the artists and have spent the last two years working closely with this incredible group to create a collection that respectfully showcases their contemporary art, and tells the ancestral stories of Arnhem Land countries and cultures. The partnership is best practice, and one that sets a benchmark for future collaborations. All profits are shared equally, with 50% going to the Bábbarra Women’s Centre.
