Destinations for the discerning traveller Summer 2013 | Page 5
Warlayirti Artists
home to Balgo Art
People want to keep their culture strong; doing painting, doing story from their grandfather, grandmotherDreaming from long time, and they want to pass it on to their children.The old people, when they do their paintings
they sing, when they’re painting the old people sit with grandmother or their families when they do their painting;
they tell story about it, all people listen. So they do their painting, because they’re passing from their parents or their
grandparents. This is how Warlayirti Artists is strong; the young people are doing it.
Philomena Baadjo, Warlayirti Artists Chairperson
During the dreamtime, Lurrnpa carried the people upon his back to Wirrimanu to provide them with a
better life. The people of Wirrimanu, commonly known as Balgo, have created Warlayirti Artists, a unique place in which
art, culture, tradition and modernity meld into one.
Guided by the Warlayirti Artists Board and its Artists’ words
Kinti Kinti (working side by side), Purrka Purrka (go slowly slowly) and Marrka Wangka (do strong talk)
Warlayirti Artists Aboriginal Corporation is now a leader in the Indigenous Arts Industry best practice. Underpinned by such strong intentions,
the Art Centre is a dynamic hub where artists congregate daily to chat, drink tea, and create stunning art. Acting as the community canvas,
their beautiful paintings, prints and in more recent times photographs, films, documentaries and music are the mediums in which
Indigenous artists create dialogue and share their stories, heritage and culture with each other and the broader community.
Positioned between the Great Sandy Desert and the Tanami
Desert, Wirrimanu is one of the most remote places in
Australia. Warlayirti Artists Aboriginal Corporation is
100% Indigenous owned,and serves the communities
of Wirrimanu (Balgo), Mulan and Kururrungku (Billiluna).
Renowned for their vibrant colors and high quality
works, Warlayirti Artists create paintings, prints and in
more recent times photographs, films and music.
Warlayirti Artists invite you to visit us or our website,
and we look forward to sharing our stories.
PH: 61 8 9168 8960
EM: [email protected]
WEB: www.balgoart.org.au
Photography by Azman Nanguri, Warlayirti Artists and David Lans Mudgedell