Aboriginal Art, prints and original paintings in the unique style of the Kunwinjku Aboriginal people of the Northern Territory of Australia.

The Kunwinjku Aboriginal people come from Western Arnhem Land, around the Liverpool River and Mann River regions in the Northern Territory of Australia.

The images presented on this website are an excellent exhibition of Kunwinjku fine art by talented Aboriginal artist Leslie Nawirridj. They are his way of communicating with you about his culture, his country, and its inhabitants.

The artist's profile gives the artwork its authenticity and cultural identity.

CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY: ARTIST'S PROFILE NAME: LANGUAGE: DOB: MOIETY: SUBJECT SKIN: TRIBAL CLAN: Leslie Nawirridj Kunwinjku 1961 Dhuwa Balang Wurrik

Leslie Nawirridj is a traditional owner of Mand-dedj-ka-djang outstation on the Liverpool River. The outstation is a small community of Leslie's family members. His family, or tribe, have always owned these homelands. It is a "closed" community, which means that outsiders can only gain access by acquiring an entry permit.

Leslie paints traditionally, in the way of his ancestors, whose original artwork is the Aboriginal rock art of Western Arnhem Land. The rock art, painted thousands of years ago, is a priceless relic of this ancient indigenous culture. Tourists can view approved sites by joining a guided tour.

A unique feature of Kunwinjku Aboriginal art is the fine-line cross-hatching, called rarrk. The rarrk is traditionally used for Kunwinjku Aboriginal ceremonial painting. Leslie has perfected this technique, having practised it for more than 20 years. He is a senior member of the Kunwinjku family of artists.

Leslie paints rarrk by making a fine-line paint brush from the stem of a reed. The hair-like bristles are inside the stem.

The power of the paintings is in the rarrk. Leslie creates these fine lines with amazing precision and accuracy. This is achieved freehand with great control and intense concentration.

Kunwinjku Aboriginal art often shows anatomical features (internal organs and bone structures) of birds, fish and animals. This is called painting in "x-ray", and gives the artwork an interesting three-dimensional effect.

The x-ray style of painting captures the essence of the wildlife of Western Arnhem Land. It shows the depth of relationship between the artist and his country, and the knowledge he has of its inhabitants.

Kunwinjku rock art was the first x-ray art.

The artwork is an important facet of traditional Kunwinjku Aboriginal life. It is the traditional means of communication, used to tell stories of the people, animals and dream time handed down through the centuries by this ancient indigenous culture.

Kunwinjku Fine Art, an art business based in Darwin, in the Northern Territory of Australia, and www.kunwinjku-aboriginal-art.com website, are owned by Leslie Nawirridj. Leslie lives in Darwin with his wife and daughter. The information on this website has been compiled by Alison Nawirridj, as told to her by her husband, Leslie.

Kunwinjku Fine Art is a member of ANKAAA (Association of Northern Kimberley and Arnhem Aboriginal Artists).

You are welcome to browse through the online art galleries and make your purchase from the souvenir range of prints.

Or place an order for an original painting using the on-line contact form provided and acquire your piece of this unique Kunwinjku culture direct from the Aboriginal artist.

Don't forget to request a photo of the artist, Leslie Nawirridj, holding your finished artwork, to be emailed to you at no extra cost!

All prices are in Australian dollars.

Thank you for visiting this website.