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Solar System

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: Freddy Wilridge


Language: Manyjilyjarra



Biography:

"I was born on a cattle station, Mandora Station near Sand fire. All the desert people camp near camp 3, near Telfer.

They would gather there and then went to 61, Jigalong or came Broome way, some went to stations. My parents went to station life and I was born there. You had to work, there was no schooling, no kindergarten, had no choice but to work. When I was older some

of the kids went to La Grange Mission, they came from Walal, Anna Plains, Nita Downs Station. I went later when we had to walk of the station to the turn off, and hitchhiked to Anna plains and got a lift from there.  9 years of education years until 10,11,12 at Broome Christian Brothers College.

One of the things that inspired me growing up, you’ve got to work, be independent and get a job. In 2017 I began painting, what inspired me was that I was good at working with my fingers, drawing in the sand and when schooling in Broome I did art classes.

I worked with WDLAC as vice chair and Maru Trust on two occasions. I like story telling with the old people, going bush and camping when the old people. When they pass on, carrying their experience. Art seems to me to focus, paintings tell a thousand words and inspires me to express myself through my artwork."


© the artist / art centre