Gutiŋarra Yunupiŋu
Bonba
50 x 32cm

ID: 8101-25

This print shows the Yolŋu sign language for bonba (butterfly). Bonba is a Dhuwa totemic being sung by the Dhudi-Djapu at Yalata.

This is the second print created by Gutiŋarra featuring a word in Yolŋu sign language. To create this etching, Guti first sketched his hands from a photograph of him making the sign for bonba, then worked the plate with his fingertips to make impressions using his fingerprints. 

Born without hearing, Yolŋu sign language is Guti’s primary form of communication. Through his work as a digital producer at the Mulka Project over the last ten years, and as an established artist in his own right, Guti shares his knowledge and keeps this ancient language alive. 

Image size: 50 x 32cm
Paper size: 69 x 47cm
Paper: Hahnemuhle