Warnarral Ngoorrngoorrool

Warnarral Ngoorrngoorrool—Gija for “old car” and pronounced Wah-nah-rool Nu-nu-rool—is a Gija cultural object – a sonic and visual reflection of story and landscape created through the long-term partnership of the Warmun Aboriginal community and Tura. 

Tura is an intercultural focused arts organisation based in Perth, and recognised internationally for community engagement and cultural exchange programs through the sonic arts. In 2017, working with Australian composer/sound artist Jon Rose, Tura initiated a project with the community and artists of Warmun, an Aboriginal community located in East Kimberley 197 kilometres south of Kununurra. The traditional owners of the country are Gija.

After setting out in search for the ideal car wreck amongst the many that feature along the length of the corrugated roads and bushland around Warmun, a 1980’s Mazda ute was chosen. Working with a team of Gija mechanics, Jon ‘strung’ the ute with fence wire to be bowed and welded all fashion of extra wreck parts to make a percussion instrument of unique dimensions. It was further transformed in May 2018 by ten Gija artists who painted various panels, and is now a composite of sculptural work, visual artwork and sonic instrument.

The WA Museum subsequently acquired the object and documentation for exhibition in the WA Museum Boola Bardip.

In 2023, Tura, in partnership with the WA Museum, produced a program entitled 'The Journey Down'. Warnarral Ngoorrngoorrool was transported from Kununurra to Perth accompanied by a series of performances and engagement at various cities and towns. It will go on display at WA Museum Boola Bardip initially as part of the temporary exhibition Three Journeys, and then move to a front of house location for permanent display.

Within the exhibition, Warnarral Ngoorrngoorrool is accompanied by projection mapping and audiovisual interpretation.

Produced by Tura in collaboration with Warmun Art Centre, Warmun Community Inc & Ngalangangpum School & East Kimberley Job Pathways

Gija Artists 
Shirley Purdie
Gordon Barney
Nancy Nodea
Lindsay Malay 
Gabriel Nodea 
Eddie Nulgit 
Charlene Carrington 
Mark Nodea 
Evelyn Malgil
Andrew (Pelican) Daylight

Sound Sculpture Concept and Creation
Jon Rose 

Video and Animation 
Sohan Hayes

Image and Video
Edify Media

Partners 
The creation and development of Warnarral Ngoorrngoorrool has been supported by the State Government of Western Australia through the Department of Local Government Sport and Cultural Industries, the Australian Government through the Regional Arts Fund, Healthway and the Ian Potter Foundation.