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WARLUKURLANGU ARTISTS
from CROSSING COUNTRY
Established in 1985 Warlukurlangu Artists
Aboriginal Corporation is a not-for-profit organisation that is one hundred percent Aboriginal-owned by its artists, in the remote desert community of Yuendumu in Central Australia
In the early 1980’s senior community leaders including women Uni Nampijinpa Martin, Dolly Nampijinpa Daniels, Rosie Nangala Fleming and Maggie Napangardi Watson alongside senior respected elders Paddy Japaljarri Stewart and Paddy Japaljarri Sims founded the Warlukurlangu art centre.
From its inception, Warlukurlangu’s art became recognised for its bold use of colour through an unrestricted palette This was integral to the distinctive style that emerged. Another early distinctive feature was the use of very traditional iconography The artists painted Jukurrpa (dreaming story), ensuring appropriate Warlpiri relationships of kirda (owners) and kurdugurlu (guardians) were followed and the images reflected the social and cultural obligations present in ceremonies and day-to-day life in the community
Warlukurlangu Artists is one of the longest running and most successful art centres in Central Australia. It has a national and international profile and its art has been featured in hundreds of exhibitions and publications in Australia and around the world