YIRAWALA

Purchased by the vendor from Randells Mill Gallery, Adelaide, South Australia around 1988
Private collection, Sydney

There is a fine crack through the bark in the top left hand section of the painting approximately 3 cm in length and some other areas of fine surface cracking. There is a small piece of bark broken off of the top right hand corner of the painting. The surface is in good stable condition with virtually no pigment loss.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This painting represents one of the artist's sacred body paint designs for the Mardayin ceremonies.

Cf. For closely related examples in the collection of the National Gallery of Australia see Perkins., H, Crossing Country: The Alchemy of Western Arnhem Land Art, pp.36 - 37, and Le Brun Holmes, S.,  Yirawala: Paint of the Dreaming, Hodder & Stoughton, Sydney, 1992, pl.26 - 32.