Ngiya Murrakupupuni, 2024, 78 × 77 cm
Michelle Pulatuwayu Woody Minnapinni born 1972, Northern Territory, Australia.
Minnapinni is a Tiwi cultural leader deeply committed to Indigenous governance and contemporary art. Drawing on the long-standing practices of her ancestors, she uses the distinct Tiwi kayimwagakimi (ironwood painting comb) to depict Murrakupupuni (Country), winga (salt water) and jlamara (Tiwi body paint design). She works with natural ochres sourced on Country around Milikapiti. These earth pigments are collected, crushed and burned into white, yellow and red, reflecting the colours of the island landscape.
She is represented in national and international public collections, including National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne; Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide; and Kluge-Ruhe Art Museum, Virginia, USA.
Minnapinni is a Tiwi cultural leader deeply committed to Indigenous governance and contemporary art. Drawing on the long-standing practices of her ancestors, she uses the distinct Tiwi kayimwagakimi (ironwood painting comb) to depict Murrakupupuni (Country), winga (salt water) and jlamara (Tiwi body paint design). She works with natural ochres sourced on Country around Milikapiti. These earth pigments are collected, crushed and burned into white, yellow and red, reflecting the colours of the island landscape.
She is represented in national and international public collections, including National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne; Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide; and Kluge-Ruhe Art Museum, Virginia, USA.
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