Aboriginal X-ray Art

Aboriginal x-ray art is a traditional style used by the people of Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory of Australia to depict local animals and stories. Many of the animals are painted showing some anatomical features, that is, painted in x-ray.
X-ray art shows the artist's relationship with, and knowledge of, his country and its inhabitants. The delicate presentation of bone structures and internal organs gives the picture a three-dimensional effect.

X-ray art has been painted by Aboriginal people for countless generations. The origins of this ancient Australian art are in the Aboriginal rock art which was painted by the very first people in this country thousands of years ago. This website gives you a wonderful opportunity to acquire this artwork directly from a descendant of these first artists. Leslie Nawirridj, a senior member of the tribe of Kunwinjku artists, is upholding his ancestors' painting tradition today. His x-ray art is a beautifully disciplined display of his inherited Kunwinjku Aboriginal knowledge.

The fine-line cross-hatching (called rarrk), in these paintings by Leslie Nawirridj, gives a powerful presentation of barramundi, turtles and water reptiles. Leslie uses the hair-like bristles found inside the stem of a reed to painstakingly paint the rarrk's fine detail. The rarrk is a unique feature of Kunwinjku Aboriginal art. It was originally traditional ceremonial painting, and today the Kunwinjku artists use rarrk to signify these traditions. The rarrk you are viewing by Leslie Nawirridj is especially anointed, with its incredible fineness and accuracy, achieved by a masterhand.

You can purchase these beautiful prints of Aboriginal x-ray art on canvas directly from Leslie Nawirridj using this on-line gallery.

A3 prints (41.5cm x 29cm) $85.00 AUD (Incl.GST)

A4 prints (29.5cm x 20.5cm) $60.00 AUD (Incl.GST)

Leslie has individually hand signed the back of every print with its title and artist's details.

Order an original painting of your choice by contacting Leslie using the on-line contact form provided.

Buying prints online

Barramundi in Water Weeds
Prints on A3 or A4 Canvas

Barramundi in Water Weeds
Prints on A3 or A4 Canvas

Barramundi and Long Neck Turtle
Print on A3 or A4 Canvas

Barramundi and Water Monitor
Print on A3 or A4 Canvas

Barramundi and Water Python
Print on A3 or A4 Canvas

Barramundi and Water Lilies
Print on A3 or A4 Canvas

Barramundi and Water Lilies
Print on A3 or A4 Canvas

Stingray and seaweed
Print on A4 or A3 Canvas

Run your mouse over the print to see the incredible detail in this painting of the Lizard.

Frame your print to suit your individual taste.
"Kangaroo Hunt" can be purchased from here.

More Fine Art Prints

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