Lot 954: Lot Of Three Aboriginal Bark Paintings One By Bob Balirrbalirr Dirdi
Estate Auction: Mid-Century Modern Furniture, Fine Art, Lenox Porcelain, Vintage · Sold
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- Auction
- Estate Auction: Mid-Century Modern Furniture, Fine Art, Lenox Porcelain, Vintage
- Lot Number
- 954
- Status
- Sold
- Hammer / Price
- Sign in to view realized price
- Opening Bid
- $5.00
- Accepted Bids
- 35
- Closed
- 4/26/26 7:26 PM PT
Description
Three authentic Aboriginal bark paintings; one by Bob Balirrbalirr Dirdi (c. 1905–1977) of Liverpool River, one by Thompson Ulidjiri of Croker Island, and one by Fred Didjbaka of Liverpool River. The painting by Bob Balirrbalirr is titled "Maraian Dancing" and "Dream Time". Produced in the Liverpool River area of Western Arnhem Land, it depicts a Mimi spirit figure, and is a traditional bark painting using natural ochre pigments. Mimi spirits are tall, slender beings in Aboriginal mythology known for living in rock crevices. Bob Balirrbalirr Dirdi (c. 1905–1977) was a prominent Aboriginal Australian artist of the Kunwinjku people, known for his masterful bark paintings. He was a master of the Oenpelli style, characterized by fine rarrk (cross-hatching) infill and a preference for red ochre backgrounds. His work frequently depicted Mimi spirits (mythical figures who taught humans to paint and hunt) and complex ceremonial scenes. His paintings were some of the first to be identified by the artist's name and clan in major exhibitions, such as the 1957 Art of Arnhem Land. The painting by Thompson Ulidjiri is called "Devil & Goanna", and the painting by Fred Didjbaka is called "Dreaming Story". 33"H x 12"W Good condition.