Over the past two decades, Bruce Nabegeyo has established himself as one of the most evocative and sophisticated narrative painters of western Arnhem Land.
Bruce Nabegeyo’s works bristle with a compulsive energy, as a multitude of spirit figures, creation beings and animals jostle for position. In their vibrancy and movement, his works present enthralling accounts of the creation stories of Bruce’s mother’s country in Mumeka, his father’s country Manibarang, along with other stories that Bruce has learnt through his long and intimate cultural engagement with his traditional lands.
From the haunting spirit devil Namorrodoh to the life giving creation mother Yingana, his works draw on the great Kunwinjku narrative tradition, whilst revealing the artist’s singular ability as a master of storytelling.
Bruce Nabegeyo was born around 1949 in the bush at Makanarlarl-Mungung to the north of Oenpelli (Gunbalanya). As a young man, he was taught to paint by his father, the renowned artist Billiago Nabegeyo, who taught him to grind ochre and paint on bark. Bruce was schooled at Oenpelli, where he has lived most of his life.
A senior ceremonial man, Bruce takes great pride in his cultural responsibilities, and performs many of the songs associated with Kunwinjku ceremonies.
Despite having exhibited for over twenty years, and though his works have been acquired by numerous important institutions, including the National Gallery of Australia and the National Gallery of Victoria, Kunwinjku Songman is Bruce Nabegeyo’s first solo exhibition.
