Aquin Pilakui

Aquin Pilakui: Tiwi Island Artist

Aquin Pilakui, an outsider artist from Tiwi Islands, is represented by the Art Centre Ngaruwanajirri, which translates to "Helping one another." Situated on Bathurst Island, Ngaruwanajirri is distinct from the other art centre, Tiwi Designs.

About Ngaruwanajirri Art Centre

• Established: 1994
• Purpose: Initially funded to support Tiwi people with disabilities, with current core attendants being disability artists.
• Art Style: Often referred to as free, loose, naïve, or Outsider art, the unique works of Ngaruwanajirri artists are renowned for their distinctive style and creativity.
• Artists: Includes a group of able-bodied Tiwi carvers working alongside the core group in a purpose-built space adjacent to the Keeping Place, creating both large and small carvings.
• Materials: Traditional Tiwi cultural materials such as ground-up local ochre pigments, along with contemporary media including wax and dyes on silk.

Aquin Pilakui's Artistic Style Aquin Pilakui is known for his beautiful, fluid style, working primarily with natural ochres on arches paper. His traditional designs carry deep meaning and integrity, reflecting his rich cultural heritage. Guided towards excellence, his artworks are featured in galleries across Australia.