Jeltje Fanoy #34 Mayilimiriw (Nyapanyapa Yunupingu)

she's creating something alongside
traditional narratives, White painting,
Leaves and circles... painted with
natural pigments, on bark,
th literal translation is "meaningless"
in English, Nyapanyapa paints to
please herself, but this Yirrkala
artist's mayilimiriw bark paintings
aren't devoid of substance,
with their compelling rhythms
have a narrative of their own,
but, pleasing to herself they must be,
of joyful generosity and hospitality,
remembering bold histories
of heartfelt resistance,
every brave act of empathy... perhaps
th hopeful companion cells to her work