Munupi Arts and Crafts Association: Tiwi Art from Pirlangimpi, Melville Island
Munupi Arts and Crafts Association sits on the north-western coastline of Melville Island at Pirlangimpi (Garden Point), approximately 125 kilometres from Darwin. It is the most recently formed art centre on the Tiwi Islands. In 1990, the Yikikini Women's Centre and Pirlangimpi Pottery were incorporated under the name Munupi Arts and Crafts Association, bringing together local artists to celebrate Tiwi culture through both traditional and contemporary mediums.
The pottery foundation of the centre runs through a single family line. Eddie Puruntatameri, the first president of Munupi Arts, worked at Tiwi Pottery on Bathurst Island before moving to Pirlangimpi in late 1983 to establish a pottery workshop. His son Robert Puruntatameri inherited those skills and continues as one of the centre's dedicated potters today. The first major works at Munupi were a series of large painted mural panels placed around the community at Pirlangimpi Airport, the Council Office, the pottery, and the Women's Centre, with contributions from Thelca Puruntatameri, Reppie Orsto, Fatima Kantilla, Donna Burak, Francesca Puruntatameri, and Therese Ann Tipiloura. The first exhibition, "Munupi Dreaming," was held in October 1990 at Shades of Ochre in Darwin, featuring painted furniture, paintings, limited edition prints, and terracotta pots.
Artists draw inspiration from the Tiwi creation stories and the landscape of Melville Island, working in ochre on canvas, pottery, carving, weaving, screen-printed textiles, etchings, linocut prints, and lithographs. Every artwork is sold with a Certificate of Provenance and Authenticity. Munupi Arts and the nearby Jilamara Arts at Snake Bay work closely together, and a visit to both centres is recommended for anyone making the trip to Melville Island.
Munupi Arts at a glance
- Location: Pirlangimpi (Garden Point), Melville Island, Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory. Approximately 125km from Darwin by air (30 minutes).
- Art Forms: Ochre painting, pottery, carving, weaving, screen-printed textiles, etchings, linocut prints, and lithographs.
- Incorporated: 1990, merging the Yikikini Women's Centre and Pirlangimpi Pottery.
- Access: A free travel permit is required. Apply online at permits.tiwilandcouncil.com. The Tiwi Islands Ferry does not currently run to Garden Point; transport must be arranged in advance.
