Our managing editor Elle had the chance to visit the Pilbara earlier in the year, and it is truly a breathtaking part of the country! As to be expected, the abundance of vibrant, distinctive art by Indigenous artists living in the area really caught her eye, and Martumili Artists, an East Pilbara Art Centre, is doing wonderful work to support these creatives and make their amazing art more accessible.
Established in 2006 and operating out of their Newman base, they recently worked with us to bring stunning paintings by Bugai Whyoulter to Melbourne for our TDF Open House last month – they were all snapped up quickly!
But now, even faraway friends can support Martu artists in Kunawarritji, Punmu, Parnngurr, Jigalong, Irrungadji (Nullagine) and Parnpajinya (Newman) this Christmas. Martumili Artists have listed a wide selection of paintings online (including an extra 200 just added this morning!), available to purchase directly using credit card or PayPal.
Many Martu artists have close relationships with established artists among Yulparija, Kukatja and other Western Desert peoples and are now gaining recognition in their own right for their diverse, energetic and unmediated painting styles. Their works reflect the dramatic geography and scale of their homelands in the Great Sandy Desert and Rudall River regions of Western Australia.
In addition to painters, working in acrylics and oils, they also represent weavers coiling baskets and sculptors working in wood, grass and wool. Martu artists proudly maintain their creative practices while pursuing social and cultural obligations across the Martu homelands.
Martumili Artists Christmas Sale runs until 8pm (AEST) Friday December 15th. Peruse and purchase online through their website, here.
