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.
As part of the 2025 Perth Festival Program, artist Judith Anya Samson exhibited her debute solo show – Anya’s Puntawarri World. Here, curator Emilia Galatis dives deep into the political context of Anya’s paintings and symbolism.
Earlier this year, Martumili Artists undertook the Return to Punmu project—an initiative that brought artists back to Punmu, a community some no longer live in but remain deeply connected to on Martu Country. The trip offered Martu artists the opportunity to reconnect with Country, reunite with family and the wider community, and work collaboratively on a large-scale painting.
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.
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.
