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Why it's not OK for just anyone to paint a Wandjina

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Painting of three Wandjina spirits in ochre colours.
These Wandjina were painted by Mowanjum artist Cecilia Umbagai - but the image is often painted by artists without authorisation.(Supplied: Mowanjum Aboriginal Art and Cultural Centre.)
Wandjina artwork by Cecilia Umbagai

The Wandjina is the sacred spirit of the Worrorra, Ngarinyin and Wunumbal tribes. No one else is permitted to depict it - and the image was even trademarked back in 2015. But misappropriation of the image is still rampant - and one artist is being threatened with legal action.

Mowanjum Aboriginal Art and Culture Centre manager Ella Doonan

Mowanjum Aboriginal Art and Culture Centre manager Ella Doonan explains the prevalence of the problem, and we also hear from Mowanjum artist Rona Charles on why she finds the misuse of the Wandjina's image distressing.

Mowanjum artist Rona Charles

Credits

Broadcast 
Derby, Visual Art, Indigenous Culture
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