Matilda Nona – Bupungu at Northsite Contemporary Arts
Matilda Nona is a nArgun woman from Badu Island in the Maluligal sea country. Hrt totem is the Thupmul (stingray) and the Koedal (crocodile). Her wind is the Sagerr Gub (North Easterly).
“I was drawn to printmaking through my father who was a wood carver which lead me to carving on vinyl. I started working with natural pigments and plant extracts, as means to reduce costs of getting commercial materials from mainland – this then lead me to create with natural pigments. I had a crazy idea if only I could turn ochres and plant extracts into my own signature inks and it would be significant to me, my people and my homeland. It would be like having a piece of Badu in your home.
This body of work Bupungu (from the bush) is based on the maternal practices of the Maluligal women of Zenadh Kes and my cultural upbringing and traditions, and my fascination with the bup (bush).
Working with ochres and plants it draws me back to my ancestral ways. It makes me feel connected and being present with them. When out bush, I must seek permission from my ancestors to gather, collect and roam around.”
This exhibition is facilitated by CATAPULT, an initiative of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair – a professional development and exhibition showcase program for First Nations artists.
Image: Matilda Nona | Pisurr Au Noera 1 (detail), 2025 | Mono print
