Warlayirti Artists

Warlayirti Artists is an artist-run cooperative art centre in Wirrimanu (Balgo), Western Australia – at the edge of the Tanami Desert to the east, the Great Sandy Desert to the south and the Kimberley foothills to the north. Warlayirti Artists represents three communities in the Kutjungka region – Kururrungka (Bililuna), Mulan and Wirrimanu – with artists from eight language groups: Kukatja, Walmajarri, Ngardi, Jaru, Wangkatjunga, Ngaanyatjarra, Pintupi and Warlpiri. The art from Warlayirti Artists is charged by this cultural diversity.

Iconic forms, bright palettes and densely applied paint have defined Balgo art over the past 30 years. Many people in Balgo are not living on their own Country, and the act of painting helps them to visit their traditional lands. Through art-making, they pass on their Tjukurrpa (ancestral creation stories and law) and art practice to the next generation, keeping art and culture strong.

Iconic forms, bright palettes and densely applied paint have for decades defined the art of Wirrimanu (Balgo), where Warlayirti Artists keep culture strong by passing on ancestral stories through art.