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Ancestors looking over us and protecting us

Martumili Artists work with over three hundred artists from remote Martu Aboriginal communities, including Punmu, Parnngurr, Kunawarritji, Jigalong, Irrungadji (Nullagine), and Warralong, as well as from the Parnpajinya (Newman) gallery and studio spaces. Known for their diverse, energetic, and unmediated painting styles, their works reflect the dramatic geography and scale of their homelands. Each artist, however, brings a unique approach to their craft.

Younger Martu artists often start painting alongside their parents, grandparents, and extended family, which fosters an organic learning process. This not only involves mastering painting techniques but also understanding specific locations, family histories, traditional ways of life, bush tucker, and Jukurrpa (Dreaming). Over time, with encouragement from their peers, they develop their own distinct styles and explore unique painting techniques and subject matter. In this work the artist brings a contemporary, evolving perspective to their work.

Name: Frances Castles



Biography:

"I was actually born in a small town called Walgett in New South Wales. My family originated from here but I didn’t know that until I was here. I’ve been tracing my family and the furthest relative is a great grandmother, Lizzie James Thargomindah from Queensland. She taught my grandmother how to weave and my grandmother passed it to me."

Frances is a Kamilaroi and Martu woman


© the artist / art centre