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About Martumili Artists

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.

Images by Duncan Wright, Courtesy of FORM

Martumili News

2024 in Review – Buckle your seatbelts!

From international exhibitions and exciting workshops to local art festivals and collaborations, 2024 has been a year of creativity and connection for Martumili Artists. Our artists and staff have been busier than ever, sharing the richness of Martu culture with the world. Join us to reflect on all the special moments.

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Cuppatea with Dianne Marney

Joining us today for a cuppa tea from the Punmu art shed is Dianne Marney. We chat with Dianne about her early life and her learning journey as an artist, as well as some of the other things she loves to do!

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Warrarnku Ninti (Knowledge of Country) Celebration

Martumili Artists are excited to announce the opening of our next exhibition Kujungka and the Warrarnku Ninti Celebration presented by Martumili Artists and Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa in partnership with Tura. From Fri 5 – Mon 8 July, the Newman Gallery and East Pilbara Arts Centre will be transformed into an immersive audiovisual experience, responding to the uniting theme of kujungka (all together in one).

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Powerhouse Wanti: Celebrating Martumili Women Artists at Moores Building Art Space

It’s a rare and special opportunity to experience a group show featuring solely Martumili Artists in Perth. The recent Powerhouse Wanti (Powerhouse Woman), shown at Moores Building Art Space between May 25th and June 9th, marked such an occasion. The exhibition, presenting a stunning collection of works in celebration of the resilience and strength of Martu women’s culture, was worth the wait!

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Cuppatea with Sarafina Dickie

Sitting down for a cuppa tea today is Sarafina Dickie. Artist, Arts Worker and Mum! Chatting to us from the sunny garden at Martumili Sarafina talks to us about her early life, how she started working at Martumili and how she dreamt her painting sold only to wake up the next day and find out it had!

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‘Following in footsteps’ at Martumili Gallery, Newman, WA.

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.

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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.