Martumili Artists was established by Martu people living in the communities of Parnpajinya (Newman), Jigalong, Parnngurr, Punmu, Kunawarritji, Irrungadji and Warralong, and it draws on strong influences of Aboriginal art history. The artists and their families are the traditional custodians of vast stretches of the Great Sandy, Little Sandy and Gibson Deserts as well as the Karlamilyi (Rudall River) area. Most Martu people maintained an entirely independent, nomadic desert lifestyle until the 1950s and 1960s when they walked into settlements in response to a long and severe drought. Today, Martu people live in their own communities and regularly visit regional centres such as Newman and Port Hedland.
Martumili Artists are based in the East Pilbara Arts centre in Newman, with artists working in the 6 other remote East Pilbara communities. Martumili Artists are an activity of the Shire of East Pilbara, and gratefully acknowledge BHP Billiton as their Principal Partner.
Many of the works by Martumili artists are representations of Country as defined by familial ties- artists paint “where their family is from and where they belong to” (Kuru Gladys Bidu). One’s Country encompasses their birthplace, and the Country they and their family lived on during the pujiman (traditional, desert dweller) era. Following in footsteps charts this relationship between family walytja and Country.
Join Martumili Artist Kathleen Sorensen for a cuppa tea and a yarn in the Newman Studio. We chat with Kathleen about the process behind her paintings, early life, and sharing stories through painting.
The 2025 Martu Festival brought together communities from across the Western Desert for a vibrant week of sport, music, and cultural celebration in Punmu. Highlights included thrilling football and softball finals, nightly desert band performances, and a strong spirit of marlpa (companionship) and kujungka (togetherness) across generations.
Learn more about Damien Miller, son of renowned Martu artists M. Miller and N. Chapman. Though he’s only recently begun painting, he’s now making up for lost time, explaining; “Once I started I can’t stop!”
This NAIDOC week, we are proud to publicly launch the Martumili App – a bespoke mobile-based app designed and developed by Specialist Apps, to enhance the gallery experience for customers near and far.
Jenny was born in Bidyadanga, a coastal community in Western Australia’s Kimberley region. Today, she shares her life journey between Bidyadanga and Parnngurr, reflecting on how the contrasting landscapes and the teachings of her grandparents have deeply influenced and enriched her art.
Martumili Artists warns visitors that our website includes images and artworks of Artists who have passed away which may cause distress to some Indigenous people.
Martumili Artists acknowledges the Nyiyaparli and Martu people as the Traditional Owners of the land we live and work on. We also acknowledge the Traditional Owners throughout our country and our Elders; past, present and emerging.
