The Aboriginal people of Arnhem Land, the Yolngu, still live in the traditional way, hunting, fishing and performing ceremonies that can go from days to weeks. 

Arnhem Land art is distinguished by the cross-hatching or “raark” work. Often the works can have human or animal figures on them.  The designs can be bold with repeating patterns.  The painting tell stories of the creation.  There are many different communities in Arnhem Land all use the cross hatching style, but with variation. 

The “raark” work determines a unity between all that live in Arnhem Land and is said to shimmer when well done.  A lot of works are painted in earth pigments, ochres, or the artists use acrylic paint but in the traditional earth pigment colours.

Traditionally women were not permitted to paint, but could only assist their husbands doing the more repetitious work.  That is not the case today, where many women artists from this area are producing fine works for the art market.

Because Arnhem Land is close to water we see a lot of works depicting animals, fish and plants from that area.

Elcho Island, north east Arnhem Land, works are bold and strong.  Cross-hatching can fill the area, figures are painted in black.  Red and black diamonds reflect the Fire that was present at Creation.  Baru, the crocodile, one of the sacred totems of that area, is said to have got his back burnt when he put the fire out and was left with cracked rough skin.

Xray art from Oenpelli shows the internal organs of an animal.  This not only provides a lesson in anatomy for the young initiates but it also tells us that all parts of the animal are equally important.

Artists favour painting on paper in Arnhem Land, this probably goes back to the traditional paintings done on bark that are still done today.