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.
Every painting begins with a story. Join Kristy and Graham for a cuppa tea as they reflect on family, Country and finding their place at Martumili Artists. Read more about their journey, what inspires their work, and the big dreams they’re painting towards.
Martumili Artists’ first in-house exhibition of the year, Hot Times, opened on 14
March. Featuring works by established and emerging Martu artists, the exhibition
reflects the Western Desert’s intense summer season—when heat reshapes life,
Country and creativity across Martu homelands.
Join Martumili Artist Carol Williams for a cuppa tea and a yarn on a ranger trip at Jartuti with Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa (KJ). We chat with Carol about life as a Martu ranger and artist, and the way in which country, bush animals, and landscapes inspire her paintings.
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.
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.
