Biographies and CV’s

Artists: 

Gunybi Ganambarr  is a Yolngu artist who lives and works at Gängän, near Yirrkala. There a few Artists that display such a consistency in innovation.  He began his artistic career painting on bark and larrakitj but has since extended his practice with an experimental and innovative use of reclaimed materials, which include wood, rubber, glass, steel, galvanised iron and aluminium.  He has had the instinct to introduce radical new forms without offending community tolerance. He has introduced or developed novel forms such as double sided barks, heavily sculpted poles, incised barks, ironwood sculpture, inserting sculptures into poles. 

Ganambarr's work has been widely exhibited both nationally and internationally, with his pieces held in major collections such as the National Gallery of Australia, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales. In 2019, he was awarded the prestigious Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award for his work 'Buyku'.  He is acknowledged as being the instigator of the ‘Murrŋiny’ at movement.

Binygurr Wirrpanda is a highly respected Indigenous Australian artist known for his exceptional talent in creating contemporary artworks that explore and celebrate the cultural heritage and stories of his Yolngu people from northeast Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia. His works are characterized by their bold use of color and intricate designs, which are informed by his deep connection to his ancestral land and cultural traditions.

Binygurr's art is deeply rooted in his personal experiences and cultural upbringing. As a child, he was exposed to the rich cultural practices and ceremonies of his community, which inspired him to pursue a career in the arts. Over the years, he has developed his own unique style and technique, blending traditional and contemporary influences to create works that are both visually stunning and culturally significant.

Binygurr has exhibited his works widely across Australia and internationally, and has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the arts and his advocacy for Indigenous rights and cultural preservation. Through his art, he continues to inspire and educate audiences about the richness and diversity of Indigenous culture and the importance of preserving it for future generations. Older

Wurrandjan Marawili is an esteemed Indigenous Australian artist known for his striking contemporary artworks that reflect his cultural heritage and connection to the land. He was born in 1963 in Djarrakpi, a remote community in northeast Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia.

Marawili's artistic career began in the 1980s when he started painting in the tradition of his Yolngu culture, creating intricate bark paintings and carvings that reflect the stories and legends of his people. Over time, he has developed a unique style that blends traditional techniques with a contemporary aesthetic, creating bold, graphic works that incorporate symbols and motifs from both his Indigenous culture and the natural world.

Marawili's works are highly sought after by collectors and have been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, including the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney and the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne. In 2021, Marawili was awarded the prestigious Archibald Prize for his portrait of fellow Indigenous artist and friend, Mulkun Wirrpanda. His artwork continues to be celebrated for its beauty, cultural significance, and its ability to communicate important social and political messages to a wider audience.

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