Naminapu Maymuru-White is a renowned Yolŋu artist whose work has been instrumental in shaping the recognition of Aboriginal Australian art, both nationally and internationally. As one of the first Yolŋu women to be taught sacred clan designs, she has played a crucial role in preserving and evolving traditional artistic practices. Deeply rooted in her cultural heritage yet pushing the boundaries of contemporary Aboriginal Australian art, she has cemented herself as a significant figure in the global art scene.
Maymuru-White’s art is inextricably linked to her Yolŋu identity and the spiritual narratives of her people. One of the defining aspects of her work is her use of miny’tji (sacred clan designs), which have been passed down through generations. She is widely known for her depictions of the Milky Way and its ancestral stories, particularly the origin myth of her Maŋgalili clan homeland at Djarrakpi which describes the ascent of the founding Guwak brothers into the astral dimensions. The dark voids within that constellation map elements of the epic songline which sees their canoe capsized by a tsunami and the journey of their spirits to become stars.
Her practice spans bark painting and larrakitj (memorial poles), honoring traditional techniques while infusing them with a distinctly modern sensibility. The rhythmic movement in her compositions and her masterful use of negative space create works that are both meditative and visually compelling. By working with ochres and natural pigments, she maintains the authenticity of Yolŋu art while resonating within contemporary art discourse.
Maymuru-White’s artistic journey is groundbreaking in several ways; she has paved the way for greater female representation in a field that was historically dominated by male artists. Her ability to navigate traditional cultural protocols while innovating within them has provided a blueprint for future generations of Indigenous women artists. Through her teaching and mentorship, she has contributed to the transmission of cultural knowledge, ensuring that younger artists can continue to tell their stories through art. At 72 years old, Naminapu Maymuru-White remains one of Australia’s most respected artists. Her works continue to be featured in prominent exhibitions, including the upcoming National Gallery of Australia Indigenous Triennal, curated by Tony Albert (2025), and Stranieri Ovunque—Foreigners Everywhere at the 60th La Biennale di Venezia (2024). These high-profile showcases affirm her lasting impact and continued relevance in contemporary art.
Top image: Naminapu Maymuru-White at Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka in Yirrkala, 2023. Photo: Leicolhn McKellar. Image courtesy of the artist, Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka, and Sullivan+Strumpf.
Thank you to the Sullivan+Strumpf for their assistance with images and editing.
Written and designed by Sarah Greenwood.