Napoleon Oui is a Djabugay man who explores his connection to rainforest bama (people), landscape and culture through his art. Inspired by the ancient tradition of rainforest shield designs and totemic motifs, Napoleon’s bold designs are iconic and indicative of a style only found in the rainforest region of Far North Queensland.
“A father will make his son a shield and the father will sit up one end and the son will sit up the other end. Whatever the father would paint on his side, the son would paint the same on the other side. But the son will add something. It is like a father–and–son diary and he will cherish that shield for his life. Only certain men knew how to make shields and paint them, not everybody could do it.” Napolean Oui
NAPOLEAN OUI | 'Mulu Walbirr Walbirri Yulmayi-y' (Two Butterfies kissing ) | Etching | 2016
Paper size: 53.5 x 39 cm
Matrix size: 20 x 12.5 cm
Edition of 5