Warnayaka Art

Warnayaka Art is located in Lajamanu, Northern Territory. The Lajamanu Community is 580kms south west of Katherine, Northern Territory and has a population of around 900 Warlpiri people. Warnayaka Art is the home of artists that exhibit around Australia and overseas.

The Warlpiri peoples’ stories are part of their art. The artists draw heavily on their ancient cultural roots, producing works about their links to their lands and their way of life from before European arrival.

The artists have been finalists in the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Awards.

In the old days the most important Warlpiri artwork was on wood and sand. Later it was put onto the body. Now, the artists use acrylic paint on canvas and linen, and digital art is emerging as a new medium for the younger generation.

The Art Centre is staffed mainly by the children of the older generation of Indigenous Lajamanu residents who remember their first contact with Europeans.

The most important thing expressed by the artists, is the need to preserve and pass on cultural practice between generations.

Walpiri culture encompasses art, language, social structure, law, ceremony, and Country.

Open 8.30am to 4.30pm weekdays or by appointment.

Image: Judy Napangardi Martin, Women’s Dreaming, 2022. Synthetic polymer paint on linen, 120 x 60cm.