Uni Nampijinpa Martin

As a founding member of the Warlukurlangu Artists Centre in the Northern Territory, Warlpiri artist Uni Nampijinpa Martin places community at the core of her practice. Working across large-scale acrylic paintings and intimate etchings, she has exhibited since at least 1987, including participation in Aratjara , the landmark exhibition of Australian First Nations art that toured Europe in 1993.

In Warlu manu Jirrama wati , Nampijinpa Martin uses bold contrasts of yellow, black and white to animate organic forms. While deceptively simple, the composition is layered with meaning: the recurring ‘U’ shapes commonly reference Nampijinpa and Nangala women. Despite its modest scale, the work is visually and conceptually complex.

Across more than four decades, Nampijinpa Martin has exhibited nationally and internationally. Her work is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Victoria, including two collaborative paintings with senior law woman and fellow Warlpiri artist Dolly Nampijinpa Daniels. For collectors, Warlu manu Jirrama wati is a rare and compelling example of her practice.