Djalkiri: We are standing on their names, Blue Mud Bay : Project website

Abstract

The concept for this project came about in 2009, during the 150th anniversary of the publication of On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin with its evolutionary focus on relationships between animal species. Charles Darwin demonstrated that all species of life have evolved from common ancestors. His evolutionary theory of natural selection forms the foundation of modern biology and an explanation for Western understandings of the diversity of life. The Yithuwa Madarrpa people have a di??erent perception. Yolngu belief and knowledge is contained within songs, stories, ritual and art. Paintings are conceptual maps depicting living things and earthly elements. All have meaning and are based on complex structures of knowledge and relationships. This is expressed through the Djalkiri, literally meaning foot or footprints, but when applied to Yolngu law it takes on a more profound meaning referring to the underlying �foundation of the world�. The objective of this project was to bring a group of artists, scientists and print makers together in a cross-cultural, cross-disciplinary, creative exchange. To juxtapose Western scienti??c view-points and knowledge with the holistic perspective of Yolngu people. The title, Djalkiri: We are standing on their names, Blue Mud Bay are words spoken by Djambawa Marawili. It is an acknowledgement of cultural inheritance based on understanding and mutual respect. It is about walking together in the footsteps of the ancestors.