DJON MUNDINE: WALI (POSSUM-MARSUPIAL) RITUAL

16 November 2020 - 17 January 2021
Turbine Hall Screens

Djon Mundine is a proud Bandjalung man from the Northern Rivers of New South Wales. He is a curator, writer, artist and activist celebrated as a foundational figure in the criticism and exhibition of contemporary Aboriginal art.

Wali (Possum-Marsupial) Ritual, 2020 is a new video work produced following the bushfires of 2019 – 2020. Due to loss of habitat in the wild-fires and other de-forestation, nearly three billion native creatures in Australia have died - many will become extinct within our lifetime.

Djon Mundine OAM_Wali_Still

Artist Statement

Wali (Possum-marsupial)
A Memorial to the Spirit of Beauty,
Flight, and Play.

Totem is a spirit being, appearing as a natural
species or force of nature, that serves to
embody the very life force of a people.

If it is hurt, damaged, or restricted we are also
hurt, or injured – if there species die, we die.

Over 2019 – 2020 due to loss of habitat in the wild-fires and other de-forestation, nearly three billion native creatures in Australia have died
-many will become extinct within our lifetime.


Djon Mundine OAM, Wali (Possum-Marsupial) Ritual. 3:20 mins
Courtesy of the artist.  Singers: Sandra ‘Sandy’ Woods, Chantal Woods, Leah Flanagan and Leanne Tobin. Cinematography & Editor: Gotaro Uematsu. This project was made possible through a RAF Relief Grant provided by Regional Arts NSW through the Regional Arts Funds Recovery Boost Program, an Australian Government Initiative supporting the arts in regional, remote and very remote Australia.


Djon Mundine OAM is a proud Bandjalung man from the Northern Rivers of New South Wales. He is a curator, writer, artist and activist and is celebrated as a foundational figure in the criticism and exhibition of contemporary Aboriginal art.
Read more about him here