Jordan Kahle Wyles

Yangugan (Saltwater Turtle) 2024

Acrylic on canvas
910 x 910 cm

About the Work

Jordan Kahle Wyles is faithful to the traditional earthen colour palette used by his ancestors. Using contrasting light and dark colours for intensity, his work employs the stylised but identifiable crosshatching technique synonymous with Arnhem Land cultural groups. Intricate parallel lines surround the internal organs of the yangugan (saltwater turtle) that inhabit Wulgurukaba Sea Country. Yangugan are closely connected to Jordan’s identity and are an important totem and food source for Wulgurukaba people as a ‘celebration of life’. They are under threat due to entanglement with discarded fishing lines, nets and ingestion of non-biodegradable plastics mistaken for food. Through cultural knowledge, Jordan is aware that Cleveland Bay is a key foraging area for turtles and home to six of seven species found on our planet. The impact and management of human activities therefore plays a critical role in the survival of turtles within Wulgurukaba Country.

About the Artist

Jordan Kahle Wyles has been painting for more than 25 years, expressing aspects of Wulgurukaba (canoe people) culture. Jordan is connected to the Gabulburra (carpet snake) clan of the Wulgurukaba people, who are Gurambilbarra (Townsville) Traditional Owners. Through his family, he has kinship affiliations with Warrgamay people in the Herbert River Valley area, Girramay (Cardwell region) and Jirrbal rainforest peoples from Herberton and Ravenshoe to the western section of Tully Gorge National Park. Jordan was actively involved with a Wulgurukaba dance troupe before committing to employment in the security business, with aspirations of joining the army.