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.
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.
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.
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!
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).
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!
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!
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.
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.
