![Australian Indigenous (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) artwork by MAY MOODOONUTHI of Mornington Island Artists. The title is Burrkunda. [2795-L-MM-1107] (Synthetic Polymer Paint on Linen)](https://media.redotgallery.com/stockroom/gallery/b/burrkunda-2045.jpg)
MAY MOODOONUTHI (dec)
Burrkunda
2795-L-MM-1107 (2007)
Synthetic Polymer Paint on Linen
198 x 101cm | 77.95 x 39.76in
Mornington Island Artists
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![Australian Indigenous (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) artwork by MAY MOODOONUTHI of Mornington Island Artists. The title is Burrkunda. [2515-L-MM-0807] (Synthetic Polymer Paint on Linen)](https://media.redotgallery.com/stockroom/gallery/b/burrkunda-2061.jpg)
MAY MOODOONUTHI (dec)
Burrkunda
2515-L-MM-0807
Synthetic Polymer Paint on Linen
198 x 101cm | 77.95 x 39.76in
Mornington Island Artists
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![Australian Indigenous (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) artwork by MAY MOODOONUTHI of Mornington Island Artists. The title is Burrkunka. [1966-L-MM-0207] (Synthetic Polymer Paint on Linen)](https://media.redotgallery.com/stockroom/gallery/b/burrkunka-370.jpg)
MAY MOODOONUTHI (dec)
Burrkunka
1966-L-MM-0207
Synthetic Polymer Paint on Linen
198 x 101cm | 77.95 x 39.76in
Mornington Island Artists
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![Australian Indigenous (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) artwork by MAY MOODOONUTHI of Mornington Island Artists. The title is Burrkunda. [2161-L-MM-0407] (Synthetic Polymer Paint on Linen)](https://media.redotgallery.com/stockroom/gallery/b/burrkunda-371.jpg)
MAY MOODOONUTHI (dec)
Burrkunda
2161-L-MM-0407
Synthetic Polymer Paint on Linen
198 x 101cm | 77.95 x 39.76in
Mornington Island Artists
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![Australian Indigenous (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) artwork by MAY MOODOONUTHI of Mornington Island Artists. The title is Rocks. [1914-L-MM-0207] (Synthetic Polymer Paint on Linen)](https://media.redotgallery.com/stockroom/gallery/r/rocks-369.jpg)
MAY MOODOONUTHI (dec)
Rocks
1914-L-MM-0207
Synthetic Polymer Paint on Linen
152 x 101cm | 59.84 x 39.76in
Mornington Island Artists
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![Australian Indigenous (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) artwork by MAY MOODOONUTHI of Mornington Island Artists. The title is Rocks. [2060-L-MM-0307] (Synthetic Polymer Paint on Linen)](https://media.redotgallery.com/stockroom/gallery/r/rocks-372.jpg)
MAY MOODOONUTHI (dec)
Rocks
2060-L-MM-0307
Synthetic Polymer Paint on Linen
152 x 101cm | 59.84 x 39.76in
Mornington Island Artists
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![Australian Indigenous (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) artwork by MAY MOODOONUTHI of Mornington Island Artists. The title is Rocks. [3016-L-MM-0308] (Synthetic Polymer Paint on Linen)](https://media.redotgallery.com/stockroom/gallery/r/rocks-2046.jpg)
MAY MOODOONUTHI (dec)
Rocks
3016-L-MM-0308
Synthetic Polymer Paint on Linen
137 x 122cm | 53.94 x 48.03in
Mornington Island Artists
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![Australian Indigenous (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) artwork by MAY MOODOONUTHI of Mornington Island Artists. The title is Rocks. [2792-L-MM-1107] (Synthetic Polymer Paint on Linen)](https://media.redotgallery.com/stockroom/gallery/r/rocks-2047.jpg)
MAY MOODOONUTHI (dec)
Rocks
2792-L-MM-1107
Synthetic Polymer Paint on Linen
151 x 101cm | 59.45 x 39.76in
Mornington Island Artists
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![Australian Indigenous (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) artwork by MAY MOODOONUTHI of Mornington Island Artists. The title is Rocks. [2809-L-MM-1107] (Synthetic Polymer Paint on Linen)](https://media.redotgallery.com/stockroom/gallery/r/rocks-2044.jpg)
MAY MOODOONUTHI (dec)
Rocks
2809-L-MM-1107
Synthetic Polymer Paint on Linen
101 x 76cm | 39.76 x 29.92in
Mornington Island Artists
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Like many others, May Moodoonuthi was taken from Bentinck Island to Mornington Island by missionaries in the early 1940s. She married Darwin Moodoonuthi (1939 – 1983), who was instrumental in the land rights movement and returning Kaiadilt people to Bentinck Island.
According to anthropologist Penny Johnson who knew May Moodoonuthi since 1982, she was described as an “impressive tracker and an amazing fisher woman and hunter”. She was also a skilled weaver and made fine bags and necklaces.
Inspired by her sister’s painting success, the late Sally Gabori (c. 1924 – 2015), she started painting for Mornington Island Arts in 2005 and was one of the earliest of the new senior women’s painting movement.
May Moodoonuthi’s paintings include the depiction of rocks from her birthplace, Bentinck Island, but mostly she illustrates body markings such as ceremonial body scars or Burrkunda. Her work is distinguished with strong gestural brushstrokes, multi-layered with paint, giving her paintings a rich texture and great depth of perspective.
May Moodoonuthi passed away in 2005, shortly after she started painting, but without a doubt, her work continues to inspire the following generations. Her great-granddaughter, Claudia Moodoonuthi, whom she raised till age seven, is now an aspiring artist influenced by her traditions and connection to country.
Like many others, May Moodoonuthi was taken from Bentinck Island to Mornington Island by missionaries in the early 1940s. She married Darwin Moodoonuthi (1939 – 1983), who was instrumental in the land rights movement and returning Kaiadilt people to Bentinck Island.
According to anthropologist Penny Johnson who knew May Moodoonuthi since 1982, she was described as an “impressive tracker and an amazing fisher woman and hunter”. She was also a skilled weaver and made fine bags and necklaces.
Inspired by her sister’s painting success, the late Sally Gabori (c. 1924 – 2015), she started painting for Mornington Island Arts in 2005 and was one of the earliest of the new senior women’s painting movement.
May Moodoonuthi’s paintings include the depiction of rocks from her birthplace, Bentinck Island, but mostly she illustrates body markings such as ceremonial body scars or Burrkunda. Her work is distinguished with strong gestural brushstrokes, multi-layered with paint, giving her paintings a rich texture and great depth of perspective.
May Moodoonuthi passed away in 2005, shortly after she started painting, but without a doubt, her work continues to inspire the following generations. Her great-granddaughter, Claudia Moodoonuthi, whom she raised till age seven, is now an aspiring artist influenced by her traditions and connection to country.
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