Madayin: Eight Decades of Aboriginal Australian Bark Painting from Yirrkala chronicles a profound artistic movement through the eyes of the Yolngu people of northeastern Australia, unveiling over 90 iconic paintings on eucalyptus bark, many never before exhibited outside of Australia.

For countless generations, the Yolngu around Yirrkala have adorned their bodies and ceremonial objects with miny’tji—sacred clan designs that embody the essence of their ancestral lands. More than mere decoration, these designs are imbued with the spiritual and aesthetic significance encapsulated by the term 'madayin'. With the advent of European presence in the 20th century, Yolngu artists turned to painting on eucalyptus bark using ochres, marking a transformative chapter in their artistic expression.

This publication captures the evolution of Yolngu artistry from its traditional roots to contemporary interpretations. Artists continue to innovate, merging ancient clan designs with modern perspectives to create compelling statements that resonate globally. The journey documented in this singular work not only celebrates the richness of Yolngu cultural heritage but also underscores its ongoing vitality and relevance in today's artistic landscape.