Kathleen Malpamba

Kathleen is waku (daughter) to the late, renowned fibre artist Robyn D. Malibirr. Her style is reminiscent of her ngandi’s (mothers), from whom she learnt to weave. Kathleen creates dynamic colour palettes with the dyes she makes from natural materials harvested from the jungle in her home in Gurrwiliny (Arafura Wetland) in Northeast Arnhem Land. She also makes a rare luminescent green from the inside of the pandanus tree which is something inherent in her family’s work.

Kathleen is an extraordinary weaver who also works hard on the community in the women’s safe house, and she is also highly skilled at hunting and fishing. She is a strong Yolngu Miyalk (woman).

Language: Djinba

Traditionally, Nganiyal (conical mats) were used as an insect screen when erected in a tent-like shape, and as a sitting mat when folded. They are used in Ceremony as well as a functional item.

Nowadays, artists weave many different shapes including flat, round and oblong.