Warliyirti Artists Aboriginal Art Centre Fosters Art Creation From Eight Language Groups
Warliyirti Artists, located in the community of Wirrimanu (Balgo Hills) in Western Australia, stands as a renowned Aboriginal Art centre, celebrating the vibrant cultural heritage and artistic talents of eight language groups across four communities. Established in 1987, the centre represents more than 200 artists from the Kutjungka region, including Kururrungka (Billiluna), Mulan, Kundat Djaru (Ringer Soak), and Wirrimanu (Balgo). The community of Wirrimanu has a unique history, originating from a mission established by the Catholic Church in the 1930s, which brought together Indigenous people from various language groups and fostered artistic collaborations and cross-cultural exchanges.
''We have always enjoyed our culture. We never stopped. Always dancing and singing, teaching our kids and keeping our culture strong. Here in Balgo. We keep our ceremonies, we visit our Country. That’s why we still live here. That’s why we paint. That story from our Tjamu and Tjatja (grandfather and grandmother). Our rockholes and waters where we used to live. We paint that. Our bush tucker and lovely bush potatoes! That’s what we paint. This is our story.''
- Eva Nagomarra, Senior Artist - Text Warliyirti Artists
The artists of Warliyirti come from diverse language groups, including Kukatja, Ngardi, Djaru, Warlpiri, Walmajarri, Wangkajunga, Pintupi, and Manyjiljarra. Their artworks, deeply embedded with cultural traditions, reflect the richness of Indigenous communities in the region. Warliyirti Artists showcases a wide range of traditional and contemporary art forms, drawing inspiration from Dreaming stories, ancestral connections, and the Kimberley region's landscapes. The art created here is characterised by strong cultural iconography, using symbolic motifs, intricate patterns, and bold colours to represent important Dreaming stories and the connection between land, people, and animals.
Notable artists from the region include Eubena Nampitjin (c.1925-11 Mar 2013), renowned for her bold dot paintings that capture the essence of her homeland and Dreaming stories with vibrant colors and expressive patterns, and Boxer Milner (c.1934-23 June 2009), whose works are celebrated for their dynamic use of color and powerful representation of cultural heritage and Dreaming stories.
Eubena Nampitjin, Kinyu, 2007
Boxer Milner Tjampitjin, Purkitji, 2003
The centre actively engages with the community, providing a space for cultural exchange, skill development, and artistic expression. It plays a vital role in preserving cultural practices and empowering artists by offering economic opportunities and a platform to share their stories with the world. Collaborations within the community and with artists from other regions lead to the exchange of artistic techniques, the revitalisation of traditional practices, and the creation of unique artworks that bridge the gap between past and present.
Warliyirti Artists has gained international recognition, showcasing its artworks in major galleries and exhibitions worldwide. This recognition highlights the artistic excellence of the artists and raises awareness of Indigenous art and culture. The centre also promotes cultural education and awareness through workshops, artist talks, and exhibitions, allowing visitors to learn about the cultural significance of the artworks and develop a deeper understanding of Indigenous culture, history, and connection to the country.
The success of Warliyirti Artists contributes to the economic sustainability and community development of Wirrimanu and surrounding areas. It provides a source of income for artists, supporting their families and offering opportunities for economic empowerment. The centre's achievements have led to the establishment of other community initiatives, such as art-related training programs and tourism ventures.
Through the creation of visually captivating artworks, community engagement, and international recognition, Warliyirti Artists Aboriginal Art Centre continues to be a driving force in preserving and promoting Indigenous art and culture while fostering economic sustainability and community empowerment.