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Turtle

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: Oweesha Biljabu


Language: Manjilyjarra


Community: Kunawarritji


Biography:

"My name is Oweesha. I like playing catching games with my friends. I live at Kunawarritji with my little sister. In Kunawarritji we was playing egg and spoon. We was playing with the real eggs. We went to play to the park. Having a good day in the sun. So much fun".

Painting with my parents makes me happy. They are also Martumili artists (Owen Biljabu and Kara Patch). I like when we go on trips, learning about country and where the old people been walking. " 

Oweesha Biljabu

 

Oweesha started painting with Martumili Artists the age of 7 with the Kuulkaja (school) project. She now paints with her mother and father. 

Martu children attend school in the remote communities of Punmu, Parnngurr, Kunawarritji, Irrungadji and Warralong. The Kuulkaja exhibition recognises the Kuulkaja as being at the heart of each community, and celebrates the important role they play in keeping culture, Country and language strong.


© the artist / art centre