Beware the Argula!
Age range 4+
'It may seem like a simple story but Beware the Argula! Is also a warning to everyone to be careful when they go out bush. I know these Argula exist, I have felt their presence – and there is rock art depicting the Argula along the Kimberley coast. Some people in the Kimberley and all over Australia call the Argula the ‘hairy man’ or the ‘bush devil’.' – Kirsty Burgu
When two boys go fishing they are unaware that the Argula, the bush devil, is watching them and helping itself to all their fish. The boys finally see the Argula’s glowing red eyes – but it is too late and they become the Argula’s next meal! When they are rescued, they are unconscious and have to be shocked back to consciousness by fire ants. Once safely home they vow to never be greedy again and to always watch out for the Argula.
This is the second title in the Kimberley Art Centre Series, working with Kirsty Burgu from Mowanjum Art and Cultural Centre. The story was told to Kirsty as a child and the Arugula is not considered to be myth but it is thought to exist – rock art featuring the Argula are found along the Kimberly coastline.
Kirsty Burgu is a Ngarinyin Worrorra woman and was born and lives at Mowanjum Community. Kirsty is as intensely engaged with the traditional culture of her people as she is with Christianity. She deftly portrays the stories and philosophy of these two worlds within her work, where she regularly depicts the first two Wandjina, Idjair the father (God) and Wodjin the son (Jesus).
Kirsty is the Pastor at Mowanjum, is a Director of both Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation and Mowanjum Aboriginal Corporation, and in the past has served on Mowanjum Artists Spirit of the Wandjinia Aboriginal Corporation. Further to her community and cultural responsibilities Kirsty is an active artist at Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre. In 2021, Kirsty was a Finalist in the prestigious Blake Prize at the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre. 86 artists were shortlisted from 1,200 submitted entries internationally, so an outstanding acknowledgement for this artist.
