‘Peppi’ translates as rock and ‘menarti’ as large, referring to the sacred rock formation that overlooks the community.
The ‘Peppi’ dancers are celebrated throughout the Daly River, for their traditional ceremonial hunting dance displays.
Peppimenarti is renowned for its fine, contemporary art production (acrylic painting and fibre work).
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Durrmu Arts - Peppimenarti Community Art Program
“The art produced here is truly unique, and considered to be of the highest standards in contemporary Indigenous art” says Harriet Fesq, the coordinator of the art program Durrmu Arts.
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The Peppimenarti community art program, was founded in 2002 and has
since attracted much acclaim within the contemporary art world.
Senior artist Regina Wilson (winner, General Painting, Telstra National
Indigenous Art Award 2003) leads a team of talented, emerging and
established artists, including Kevin Gilbert, Linda Gilbert, Mabel
Jimarin, Margaret Kundu, Teresa Lemon, Patsy Marfura, Rosina Tirak and
Nimbali Wilson.
Traditionally weavers, the women of Peppimenarti have now transposed
their knowledge of fibre and textiles onto canvas. This has resulted in
a style of painting that is very intricate and abstract. Some paintings
from the community clearly represent syaws (fish-nets) and wupun
(basket-weavings) through their layered textures, whilst others
resemble fine tapestries.
“The weaving method is the same as the stitch used in weaving the
warragarri (dilly bag), except bigger. The pinbin vine (bush vine)
grows near the river and is stripped into fibres that are then woven
onto the net. The syaw is used to catch fish, prawn and other edible
living creatures in the creeks and rivers” Regina Wilson.
Whilst the women of Peppimenarti are traditionally weavers, the men’s
art lies in the production of body paint designs and cultural articles.
Visit the Durrmu Arts website
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