Roy Burnyila belongs to the Ganalbingu language group, located near Ramingining in Arnhem Land and generally associated with the Arafura swamp, the flora (especially water lilies) and the creatures that inhabit it: crocodiles, snakes, fish, magpie geese. Burnyila's favourite themes are the Warnyu (Pteporus bats known as 'Flying Foxes'), Banda (long-necked turtles), Bapi (snakes), and the stories of the Yirritja (one of the two social groups of the Yolnu peoples of Arnhem Land - the other being the Dhuwa). Roy Burnyila, is known for his Rarrk (interweaving of fine lines), which are usually monochrome. Although he also paints with acrylics, he mainly uses natural pigments, which he works on canvas, on bark or on ceremonial trunks. He is also a sculptor.