Yidumduma Bill Harney is recognized throughout the world as an artist of high esteem on many different stages. He is a master storyteller, songman, didjeridoo player/maker, painter, and writer. All his art forms have the deepest roots in the celebration of his Wardaman Aboriginal heritage and his unique ability to “walk in both worlds” and communicate the joy of his culture to a global audience. Yidumduma grew up in the “Bush University”, undergoing the fullest Wardaman ceremonial traditions and education. Being of mixed descent, he successfully evaded being a victim of the “Stolen Generation.” He avoided being taken away from his Aboriginal upbringing by the government. Today Yidumduma is the last fully initiated male custodian of his people, the last male “Emeritus Professor” of his culture. He has been formally acknowledged as one of “Australia’s living national treasures” and his knowledge has been described by anthropologists as “encyclopedic” in nature.Bill will be in Wyoming for most of the month of September, touring the state. During his time in Laramie, Bill will be working on a painting at the UW Art Museum, as well as giving talks on anthropological topics related to his Australian homeland. The Bill Harney Exhibit opens September 22 at the UW Art Museum. He will conclude his painting project on Thursday, September 25, as well as perform a public concert in the Fine Arts Recital Hall, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
His new recording, Leedi/Grasshopper Man (Kiva Records) is a product of the Wardaman Dreaming Project, an ongoing endeavour to document Wardaman culture under the direction of Yidumduma. It records songs, stories, birds and marlugbarr, or the didjeridoo. Paul Taylor, a Wyoming Arts Council roster artist who is mentored by Yidumduma, produced the CD, along with Russ Hopkins of the Fiske Planetarium in Boulder, Colorado.
