Craig Koomeeta’s artworks draw on ancestral songlines & ceremonial practice
Craig Koomeeta with Apelech brothers 2002 and Wuungkun (Barramundi in Apelech design) 2004 / View full image
The word ‘apelech’ means ‘clear water’ in the Wik-Mungkan language of Western Cape York and refers to the settling of sediments in the sea at the end of the wet season. The Apelech design, the dots on Craig Koomeeta’s sculptures, represent this sparkling water and refer to the body designs painted on ceremonial dancers.
Koomeeta still uses traditional materials such as milkwood, a locally grown timber, and ochres to paint the surface of his sculptures, although he sometimes mixes them with synthetic polymer paint.
Watch | Craig Koomeeta discusses his traditional stories
Apelech brothers 2002
Apelech brothers 2002 depicts a significant creation story of all five ceremonial groups of the Wik people. The brothers travelled south from Love River to Kendall River in the Aurukun area, creating the clans and their Country, bestowing language, songs and dance. Eventually, the brothers fought and split up, with one going north and the other, south, never seeing each other again. The younger brother, the shorter figure with white spots, is from the coastal area; and the taller brother with the banded body design is from the inland region. The white pointed spikes protruding from the arms of the taller brother represent the stingray spines that are always used on spears in the community.
Craig Koomeeta, Wik-Alkan people, Australia b.1977 / Apelech brothers 2002 / Carved milkwood with natural pigments / Left figure: 112 x 35 x 15cm; right figure: 124 x 38 x 11cm / Purchased 2002. QAG Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Craig Koomeeta / View full image
Wuungkun (Barramundi in Apelech design) 2004
The two works titled Wuungkun (Barramundi in Apelech design) represent another story about two brothers. Two brothers were out hunting when they noticed big, black clouds forming in the distance. Although a big storm was on its way, the two brothers continued with their hunting. The storm was moving very quickly towards the brothers. They decided to head back to camp but they were too late, the rain was heavy and the older brother took the younger brother to hide under a large old tree. The older brother didn't realise that this tree was an old Story Place in a dried up swamp. As the rain grew heavier, the swamp filled and the boys were surrounded by the rising water. Eventually the water rose above their heads and they turned into barramundi. The swamp is now full of water and the two barramundi brothers can still be seen swimming around the swamp today.
Craig Koomeeta, Wik-Alkan people, Australia b.1977 / Wuungkun (Barramundi in Apelech design) 2004 / Carved milkwood with synthetic polymer paint and natural pigments / 24.5 x 44 x 12cm (including stand) / Purchased 2004 / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Craig Koomeeta / View full image
Craig Koomeeta, Wik-Alkan people, Australia b.1977 / Wuungkun (Barramundi in Apelech design) 2004 / Carved milkwood with synthetic polymer paint and natural pigments / 24.5 x 38 x 10cm (including stand) / Purchased 2004 / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Craig Koomeeta / View full image
Watch | Craig Koomeeta discusses this creation story
View Craig Koomeeta's Apelech brothers 2002 and Wuungkun (Barramundi in Apelech design) 2004 in 'Wonderstruck' at the Gallery of Modern Art or delve into the captivating works on display with our weekly highlights.
Wonderstruck
28 June – 6 October 2025
Gallery of Modern Art
Gallery 1.1 (The Fairfax Gallery), Gallery 1.2 & Gallery 1.3 (Eric and Marion Taylor Gallery)
Brisbane, Australia
Free entry