PILLARS OF REMEMBRANCE | New York
Contemporary Memorial Poles From Yirrkala
20 March 2025 – 25 April 2025
About Exhibition
Few forms in global contemporary art are as visually striking and oddly familiar as larrakitj (memorial poles) from Australia’s north. Hollow, free-standing and intricately decorated, larrakitj arise from the human desire to shape the natural landscape into a symbolic marker, conveying a message to those who encounter it.
Historically, larrakitj were ossuaries, the final resting place for the bones of the dead. They were decorated with clan designs to identify and protect the spirit of the deceased, then erected at a specific location. Not everyone would be granted this honour: often it was restricted to high-ranking or ritually powerful members of a clan. Larrakitj is one of the Yolŋu terms for these objects; other nearby cultural groups refer to them as lorrkon. These objects have gone by a range of descriptors, most commonly ‘hollow-log coffins’, or ‘burial poles’. The term ‘memorial poles’ acknowledges their movement beyond the confines of the mortuary process, and into a broader role in both Aboriginal society and the contemporary art world.
This exhibition brings together larrakitj created by some of north-east Arnhem Land’s most consequential past and contemporary artists.
D’Lan Contemporary is honoured to present this remarkable exhibition on behalf of Dennis Scholl AM and Debra Scholl AM of Miami Beach. Their extraordinary collection is a testament to their passion for Australian First Nations art. This exhibition not only highlights the beauty inherent in l-arrakitj; it also offers a powerful opportunity to foster a deeper appreciation of the cultural lives and artistic practices of Yolŋu, who continue to shape the global contemporary art landscape.
Works
Djambawa Marawili AM, Dhakandjali, 2016
Djambawa Marawili AM,
Dhakandjali 2016
Earth pigments on stringybark
119.7 inches (304cm)
PROVENANCE
The Artist, created at Yirrkala, Northern Territory Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre, Yirrkala, Northern Territory, cat. no. 4872A Debra and Dennis Scholl Collection, Miami Beach, Florida, acquired from the above
EXHIBITED
The Inside World: Contemporary Aboriginal Australian Memorial Poles, Nevada Museum of Art, Reno, 9 February – 23 June 2019; Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit, 18 July – 29 December 2019; Fralin Museum of Art, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, 24 January – 28 June 2020; Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum, Florida International University, Miami, 11 July 2020 – 9 January 2021
LITERATURE
Henry F. Skerritt (ed.), The Inside World: Contemporary Aboriginal Australian Memorial Poles, DelMonico Books·Prestel, Munich; New York, 2019, p. 118 (illus.)
USD 30,000
AVAILABLE
Djambawa Marawili AM, Dhakandjali, 2016
Djambawa Marawili AM,
Dhakandjali 2016
Earth pigments on stringybark
98.4 inches (250 cm)
PROVENANCE
The Artist, created at Yirrkala, Northern Territory Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre, Yirrkala, Northern Territory, cat. no. 4922C Debra and Dennis Scholl Collection, Miami Beach, Florida, acquired from the above
EXHIBITED
The Inside World: Contemporary Aboriginal Australian Memorial Poles, Nevada Museum of Art, Reno, 9 February – 23 June 2019; Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit, 18 July – 29 December 2019; Fralin Museum of Art, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, 24 January – 28 June 2020; Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum, Florida International University, Miami, 11 July 2020 – 9 January 2021
LITERATURE
Henry F. Skerritt (ed.), The Inside World: Contemporary Aboriginal Australian Memorial Poles, DelMonico Books·Prestel, Munich; New York, 2019, p. 118 (illus.)
USD 30,000
AVAILABLE
Djambawa Marawili AM, Dhakandjali, 2016
Djambawa Marawili AM,
Dhakandjali 2016
Earth pigments on stringybark
102.6 inches (260.7 cm)
PROVENANCE
The Artist, created at Yirrkala, Northern Territory Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre, Yirrkala, Northern Territory, cat. no. 4922D Debra and Dennis Scholl Collection, Miami Beach, Florida, acquired from the above
EXHIBITED
The Inside World: Contemporary Aboriginal Australian Memorial Poles, Nevada Museum of Art, Reno, 9 February – 23 June 2019; Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit, 18 July – 29 December 2019; Fralin Museum of Art, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, 24 January – 28 June 2020; Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum, Florida International University, Miami, 11 July 2020 – 9 January 2021
LITERATURE
Henry F. Skerritt ed., The Inside World: Contemporary Aboriginal Australian Memorial Poles, DelMonico Books, Prestel, 2019, pp. 118 (illus.)
USD 30,000
AVAILABLE
Gunybi Ganambarr, Buyku, 2016
Gunybi Ganambarr,
Buyku 2016
Earth pigments on stringybark
109 inches (277 cm)
PROVENANCE
The Artist, created at Gäṉgän, Northern Territory Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre, Yirrkala, Northern Territory, cat. no. 1455-16 Debra and Dennis Scholl Collection, Miami Beach, Florida, acquired from the above
EXHIBITED
The Inside World: Contemporary Aboriginal Australian Memorial Poles, Nevada Museum of Art, Reno, 9 February – 23 June 2019; Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit, 18 July – 29 December 2019; Fralin Museum of Art, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, 24 January – 28 June 2020; Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum, Florida International University, Miami, 11 July 2020 – 9 January 2021
LITERATURE
Henry F. Skerritt (ed.), The Inside World: Contemporary Aboriginal Australian Memorial Poles, DelMonico Books·Prestel, Munich; New York, 2019, p. 116 (illus.)
USD 40,000
AVAILABLE
Gunybi Ganambarr, Garraparra and Gunyuru, 2016
Gunybi Ganambarr,
Garraparra and Gunyuru 2016
Earth pigments on stringybark
110.4 inches (280 cm)
PROVENANCE
The Artist, created at Gäṉgän, Northern Territory Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre, Yirrkala, Northern Territory, cat. no. 4897I Debra and Dennis Scholl Collection, Miami Beach, Florida, acquired from the above
EXHIBITED
The Inside World: Contemporary Aboriginal Australian Memorial Poles, Nevada Museum of Art, Reno, 9 February – 23 June 2019; Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit, 18 July – 29 December 2019; Fralin Museum of Art, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, 24 January – 28 June 2020; Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum, Florida International University, Miami, 11 July 2020 – 9 January 2021
LITERATURE
Henry F. Skerritt (ed.), The Inside World: Contemporary Aboriginal Australian Memorial Poles, DelMonico Books·Prestel, Munich; New York, 2019, p. 116 (illus.)
USD 40,000
AVAILABLE
Gunybi Ganambarr, Milŋurr Ŋaymil, 2016
Gunybi Ganambarr,
Milŋurr Ŋaymil 2016
Earth pigments on stringybark
116.1 inches (295 cm)
PROVENANCE
The Artist, created at Gäṉgän, Northern Territory Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre, Yirrkala, Northern Territory, cat. no. 4967C Debra and Dennis Scholl Collection, Miami Beach, Florida, acquired from the above
EXHIBITED
The Inside World: Contemporary Aboriginal Australian Memorial Poles, Nevada Museum of Art, Reno, 9 February – 23 June 2019; Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit, 18 July – 29 December 2019; Fralin Museum of Art, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, 24 January – 28 June 2020; Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum, Florida International University, Miami, 11 July 2020 – 9 January 2021
LITERATURE
Henry F. Skerritt (ed.), The Inside World: Contemporary Aboriginal Australian Memorial Poles, DelMonico Books·Prestel, Munich; New York, 2019, p. 116 (illus.)
USD 40,000
AVAILABLE
Wukun Wanambi, Bamurruŋu, 2016
Wukun Wanambi,
Bamurruŋu 2016
Earth pigments on stringybark
106.3 inches (270 cm) tallest
PROVENANCE
The Artist, created at Yirrkala, Northern Territory Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre, Yirrkala, Northern Territory Debra and Dennis Scholl Collection, Miami Beach, Florida, acquired from the above
EXHIBITED
The Inside World: Contemporary Aboriginal Australian Memorial Poles, Nevada Museum of Art, Reno, 9 February – 23 June 2019; Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit, 18 July – 29 December 2019; Fralin Museum of Art, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, 24 January – 28 June 2020; Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum, Florida International University, Miami, 11 July 2020 – 9 January 2021
LITERATURE
Henry F. Skerritt (ed.), The Inside World: Contemporary Aboriginal Australian Memorial Poles, DelMonico Books·Prestel, Munich; New York, 2019, p. 135 (illus.)
USD 100,000
AVAILABLE
Noŋgirrŋa Marawili, Yurr'yun, 2015
Noŋgirrŋa Marawili,
Yurr'yun 2015
Earth pigments on stringybark
107.1 inches (272 cm)
PROVENANCE
The Artist, created at Yirrkala, Northern Territory Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre, Yirrkala, Northern Territory, cat. no. 4820X Debra and Dennis Scholl Collection, Miami Beach, Florida, acquired from the above
EXHIBITED
The Inside World: Contemporary Aboriginal Australian Memorial Poles, Nevada Museum of Art, Reno, 9 February – 23 June 2019; Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit, 18 July – 29 December 2019; Fralin Museum of Art, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, 24 January – 28 June 2020; Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum, Florida International University, Miami, 11 July 2020 – 9 January 2021
LITERATURE
Henry F. Skerritt (ed.), The Inside World: Contemporary Aboriginal Australian Memorial Poles, DelMonico Books·Prestel, Munich; New York, 2019, p. 121 (illus.)
USD 50,000
AVAILABLE
Noŋgirrŋa Marawili, Yurr'yun, 2015
Noŋgirrŋa Marawili,
Yurr'yun 2015
Earth pigments on stringybark
105.9 inches (269 cm)
PROVENANCE
The Artist, created at Yirrkala, Northern Territory Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre, Yirrkala, Northern Territory, cat. no. 4795R Debra and Dennis Scholl Collection, Miami Beach, Florida, acquired from the above
EXHIBITED
The Inside World: Contemporary Aboriginal Australian Memorial Poles, Nevada Museum of Art, Reno, 9 February – 23 June 2019; Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit, 18 July – 29 December 2019; Fralin Museum of Art, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, 24 January – 28 June 2020; Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum, Florida International University, Miami, 11 July 2020 – 9 January 2021
LITERATURE
Henry F. Skerritt (ed.), The Inside World: Contemporary Aboriginal Australian Memorial Poles, DelMonico Books·Prestel, Munich; New York, 2019, p. 121 (illus.)
USD 50,000
AVAILABLE
Noŋgirrŋa Marawili, Yurr'yun, 2015
Noŋgirrŋa Marawili,
Yurr'yun 2015
Earth pigments on stringybark
105.9 inches (269 cm)
PROVENANCE
The Artist, created at Yirrkala, Northern Territory Buku-Ḻarrŋgay Mulka Centre, Yirrkala, Northern Territory, cat. no. 4850L Debra and Dennis Scholl Collection, Miami, Florida, acquired from the above
EXHIBITED
The Inside World: Contemporary Aboriginal Australian Memorial Poles, Nevada Museum of Art, Reno, 9 February – 23 June 2019; Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit, 18 July – 29 December 2019; Fralin Museum of Art, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, 24 January – 28 June 2020; Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum, Florida International University, Miami, 11 July 2020 – 9 January 2021
LITERATURE
Henry F. Skerritt (ed.), The Inside World: Contemporary Aboriginal Australian Memorial Poles, DelMonico Books·Prestel, Munich; New York, 2019, p. 121 (illus.)
USD 50,000
AVAILABLE
Gulumbu Yunupiŋu, Gärak, 2011
Gulumbu Yunupiŋu,
Gärak 2011
Earth pigments on stringybark
71.7 inches (182 cm)
PROVENANCE
The Artist, created at Yirrkala, Northern Territory Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre, Yirrkala, Northern Territory, cat. no. 4108C Harvey Art Projects, Sun Valley, Idaho Debra and Dennis Scholl Collection, Miami Beach, Florida, acquired from the above in 2015
EXHIBITED
The Inside World: Contemporary Aboriginal Australian Memorial Poles, Nevada Museum of Art, Reno, 9 February – 23 June 2019; Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit, 18 July – 29 December 2019; Fralin Museum of Art, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, 24 January – 28 June 2020; Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum, Florida International University, Miami, 11 July 2020 – 9 January 2021
LITERATURE
Henry F. Skerritt (ed.), The Inside World: Contemporary Aboriginal Australian Memorial Poles, DelMonico Books·Prestel, Munich; New York, 2019, p. 142 (illus.)
On Hold
Gulumbu Yunupiŋu, Ganyu (Stars), 2004
Gulumbu Yunupiŋu,
Ganyu (Stars) 2004
Earth pigments on stringybark
94.5 inches (240 cm)
PROVENANCE
The Artist, created at Yirrkala, Northern Territory Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre, Yirrkala, Northern Territory, cat. no. 2604O Alcaston Gallery, Melbourne , Melbourne, acquired from the above Important Australian and International Fine Art; Important Aboriginal and Oceanic Art, Deutscher and Hackett, Melbourne, 27 November 2013, lot 156 Debra and Dennis Scholl Collection, Miami Beach, Florida, acquired from the above
Private Collection
EXHIBITED
All About Art – Gulumbu Yunupingu, Alcaston Gallery, Melbourne, 14 June – 15 July 2011 The Inside World: Contemporary Aboriginal Australian Memorial Poles, Nevada Museum of Art, Reno, 9 February – 23 June 2019; Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit, 18 July – 29 December 2019; Fralin Museum of Art, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, 24 January – 28 June 2020; Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum, Florida International University, Miami, 11 July 2020 – 9 January 2021
LITERATURE
Henry F. Skerritt (ed.), The Inside World: Contemporary Aboriginal Australian Memorial Poles, DelMonico Books·Prestel, Munich; New York, 2019, p. 142 (illus.)
On Hold
Nyapanyapa Yunupiŋu, Untitled, 2010
Nyapanyapa Yunupiŋu,
Untitled 2010
Earth pigments on stringybark
83.9 inches (213 cm)
PROVENANCE
The Artist, created at Yirrkala, Northern Territory Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre, Yirrkala, Northern Territory, cat. no. 3975Y Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, Sydney Debra and Dennis Scholl Collection, Miami Beach, Florida acquired from the above in 2014
EXHIBITED
Nyapanyapa Yunupiŋu, My Sister's Ceremony, Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, Sydney, 9 January – 8 February 2014 The Inside World: Contemporary Aboriginal Australian Memorial Poles, Nevada Museum of Art, Reno, 9 February – 23 June 2019; Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit, 18 July – 29 December 2019; Fralin Museum of Art, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, 24 January – 28 June 2020; Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum, Florida International University, Miami, 11 July 2020 – 9 January 2021
LITERATURE
Henry F. Skerritt ed., The Inside World: Contemporary Aboriginal Australian Memorial Poles, DelMonico Books, Prestel, 2019, pp. 143 (illus.)
USD 45,000
AVAILABLE
Nyapanyapa Yunupiŋu, Untitled, 2013
Nyapanyapa Yunupiŋu,
Untitled 2013
Earth pigments on stringybark
94.9 inches (241 cm)
PROVENANCE
The Artist, created at Yirrkala, Northern Territory Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre, Yirrkala, Northern Territory, cat. no. 4425T Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, Sydney Debra and Dennis Scholl Collection, Miami Beach, Florida, acquired from the above in 2014
EXHIBITED
Nyapanyapa Yunupiŋu, My Sister's Ceremony, Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, Sydney, 9 January – 8 February 2014 The Inside World: Contemporary Aboriginal Australian Memorial Poles, Nevada Museum of Art, Reno, 9 February – 23 June 2019; Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit, 18 July – 29 December 2019; Fralin Museum of Art, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, 24 January – 28 June 2020; Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum, Florida International University, Miami, 11 July 2020 – 9 January 2021
LITERATURE
Henry F. Skerritt (ed.), The Inside World: Contemporary Aboriginal Australian Memorial Poles, DelMonico Books·Prestel, Munich; New York, 2019, p. 143 (illus.)
USD 55,000
AVAILABLE
Nyapanyapa Yunupiŋu, Untitled, 2013
Nyapanyapa Yunupiŋu,
Untitled 2013
Earth pigments on stringybark
84.3 inches (214 cm)
PROVENANCE
The Artist, created at Yirrkala, Northern Territory Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre, Yirrkala, Northern Territory, cat. no. 4238E Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, Sydney Debra and Dennis Scholl Collection, Miami Beach Beach, Florida, acquired from the above in 2014
EXHIBITED
Nyapanyapa Yunupingu, My Sister's Ceremony, Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, Sydney, 9 January – 8 February 2014 The Inside World: Contemporary Aboriginal Australian Memorial Poles, Nevada Museum of Art, Reno, 9 February – 23 June 2019; Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit, 18 July – 29 December 2019; Fralin Museum of Art, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, 24 January – 28 June 2020; Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum, Florida International University, Miami, 11 July 2020 – 9 January 2021
LITERATURE
Henry F. Skerritt (ed.), The Inside World: Contemporary Aboriginal Australian Memorial Poles, DelMonico Books·Prestel, Munich; New York, 2019, p. 143 (illus.)
USD 45,000
AVAILABLE