Jesus is buried in the Tomb

Matthew 27: 57-60 CEV

That evening a rich disciple named Joseph from the town of Arimathea  went and asked for Jesus' body. Pilate gave orders for it to be given to Joseph, who took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth.

Then Joseph put the body in his own tomb that had been cut into solid rock and had never been used. He rolled a big stone against the entrance to the tomb and went away.

Wendy's Prayer - “Lord, give us your love that comes from you, that we will show those who are in need."

Artwork - Jesus is buried

John 19:38-42

Joseph from Arimathea was one of Jesus' disciples. He had kept it secret though, because he was afraid of the Jewish leaders. But now he asked Pilate to let him have Jesus' body. Pilate gave him permission, and Joseph took it down from the cross.

Nicodemus also came with about 30 kilograms of spices made from myrrh and aloes. This was the same Nicodemus who had visited Jesus one night. The two men wrapped the body in a linen cloth, together with the spices, which was how the Jewish people buried their dead. In the place where Jesus had been nailed to a cross, there was a garden with a tomb that had never been used. The tomb was nearby, and since it was the time to prepare for the Sabbath, they were in a hurry to put Jesus' body there.

Artist: Audrey Miller

Language: Arrente

Community: Amoonguna

Audrey has been creating art for many years. She learnt how to paint from her grandparents. They taught her to paint the things they taught her about the bush.

During her time studying both the Visual Arts and Cultural Arts certificates at Nungalinya, Audrey has begun to think about and experiment with ways to integrate her art and faith. She uses traditional and religious icons in her work to tell stories visually through her paintings.

Jesus is raised to life!

Matthew 28:1-9 CEV

The Sabbath was over, and it was almost daybreak on Sunday when Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. Suddenly a strong earthquake struck, and the Lord's angel came down from heaven. He rolled away the stone and sat on it. The angel looked as bright as lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards shook from fear and fell down, as though they were dead.

The angel said to the women, “Don't be afraid! I know you are looking for Jesus, who was nailed to a cross. He isn't here! God has raised him to life, just as Jesus said he would. Come, see the place where his body was lying. Now hurry! Tell his disciples he has been raised to life and is on his way to Galilee. Go there, and you will see him. This is what I came to tell you.”

The women were frightened and yet very happy, as they hurried from the tomb and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and greeted them. They went near him, held on to his feet, and worshiped him.

Wendy's Prayer - “Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! Praise his holy name forever for what he has done for all humanity! That he has risen! Amen."

Artwork - The Tomb was open

Mark 16:6

“Don't be alarmed! You are looking for Jesus from Nazareth, who was nailed to a cross. God has raised him to life, and he isn't here. You can see the place where they put his body.

Artist: Joanne Ngalmi

Language: Wubuy

Community: Numbulwar

Joanne had not painted before attending the Nungalinya Art and Faith course.

She has enjoyed learning new skills and working alongside her daughter, Sharita.

She is passionate about teaching and encouraging the younger generation and sees art as a way to communicate the Bible to others in her community.

Artwork - Resurrection

Mark 16: 9-17

Joseph from Arimathea was one of Jesus' disciples. He had kept it secret though, because he was afraid of the Jewish leaders. But now he asked Pilate to let him have Jesus' body. Pilate gave him permission, and Joseph took it down from the cross.

Nicodemus also came with about 30 kilograms of spices made from myrrh and aloes. This was the same Nicodemus who had visited Jesus one night. The two men wrapped the body in a linen cloth, together with the spices, which was how the Jewish people buried their dead. In the place where Jesus had been nailed to a cross, there was a garden with a tomb that had never been used. The tomb was nearby, and since it was the time to prepare for the Sabbath, they were in a hurry to put Jesus' body there.

Artist: Joanne Baker

Language: Djambarrpuyngu

Community: Milingimbi

Joanne is one of the senior elders in her community. She has extensive traditional knowledge and understanding of cultural laws and ceremony.

Joanne has a strong faith and courageous spirit. She is not afraid to celebrate or challenge her own culture.

During her time studying art at Nungalinya, she was a huge encouragement to all students- helping them to smash through fears and embrace their identity as an Aboriginal Christian Artist.

Joanne has done a little art over the years but this was the first time she explored visual arts in depth. She is a wonderful dancer and easily expresses her faith in creative ways.

Artwork - He Called her Name

John 20: 11-18

Mary was sad and crying after Jesus died. She thought someone had taken his body away. Then she saw a man in the garden- she didn't know who he was and thought he was the gardener. The man asked her, “Why are you crying?”

Then he called her name and then she realised it was Jesus.

Mary was shocked but so happy. She went to tell everyone that Jesus was alive!

Artist: Sharita Nundhirribala

Language: Wubuy

Community: Numbulwar

Sharita is a talented artist and has enjoyed coming to Nungalinya to focus on growing her skills and learning more about God. She is a reserved young lady but her paintings are powerful.

Sharita enjoyed entering into the Bible stories by imagining herself as a character and painting herself into the story.

Sharita has grown in confidence and faith during her time at Nungalinya and is keen to continue her study and using her art to touch others.

Artwork - Wärwu’yun (grief and worry)

Jesus called Mary to follow him. She followed him all the way, right up to his crucifixion. She was very close to Jesus and stayed at the tomb to cry for him.

She got real upset when she found his tomb empty- she thought that someone stole his body. She became very worried.

Jesus appeared to Mary and called her by name. Then she knew it was her master. Her heart was overwhelmed. She went to tell everyone that Jesus was alive.

Artist: Frances Rrikili Garrawurra

Language: Djambarrpuyngu

Community: Ramingining

Rrikili took a break from her theology studies at Nungalinya to concentrate on building her skills as a communicator through the arts. She is a keen dancer and artist but had put her painting practice to the side for many years.

Rrikili found much joy in expressing herself creatively through the arts and sharing her expansive knowledge and wisdom in integrating art, faith and culture.

She is dedicated to using her gifts for the Kingdom and encouraging others to do the same.