MATILDA NONA | Bupungu

24 March - 17 May 2025 

"I’m a Argun woman from Badu Island in the Maluligal sea country. My totem is the Thupmul (stingray) and the Koedal (crocodile). My wind is the Sagerr Gub (North Easterly).

I was drawn to printmaking through my father who was a wood carver which lead me to carving on vinyl. I started working with natural pigments and plant extracts, as means to reduce costs of getting commercial materials from mainland – this then lead me to create with natural pigments. I had a crazy idea if only I could turn ochres and plant extracts into my own signature inks and it would be significant to me, my people and my homeland. It would be like having a piece of Badu in your home.

This body of work Bupungu (from the bush) is based on the maternal practices of the Maluligal women of Zenadh Kes and my cultural upbringing and traditions, and my fascination with the bup (bush).

 

Working with ochres and plants it draws me back to my ancestral ways. It makes me feel connected and being present with them. When out bush, I must seek permission from my ancestors to gather, collect and roam around.”

Of the North, For the North

We work to support artists achieve their aspirations. Artists set their prices and we add a standard service and marketing commission - this supports our not-for-profit programs and allows us to continually turn over the highest-quality artistic products.

Most artworks are one-offs and completely original in the iconic style of that artist; with the exception of intaglio and relief prints, which the organisation is renowned for. Check out our selection of limited-edition fine art printmaking.

Over 95% of the artists we support are from North Queensland. We work with both independent artists and those represented by commercial dealers and art centres.

Check out the archive of rare Djumbunji Press Prints
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