Martumili Artists

03/09/2026

02/09/2026

POWERHOUSE WANTI II

The opening of Powerhouse Wanti II this Friday, 4 September from 6-8pm at Courthouse Gallery+Studio in Port Hedland. Please come along and celebrate with us!

Curated by Sylvia Wilson, the exhibition features works by Gladys ‘Kuru’ Bidu, Yikartu Bumba (Petersen), Beverley Rogers and Betty Whyoulter.

Powerhouse Wanti II is the second exhibition in a curatorial series presented by Martumili Artists, bringing together the work and stories of strong Powerhouse Wantis (women)



Photo credits:

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2 - Martumili Artists
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01/09/2026

26/08/2026

🎨 Behind the Scenes: Sylvia Wilson

Our new feature shines a spotlight on the arts workers who keep regional WA's creative sector running: curators, admin staff, event organisers and so many more.

First up: Sylvia Wilson, a curator who works tirelessly to exhibit other artists' work, all while maintaining her own practice!

This year alone, Sylvia has curated two exhibitions which you can still catch: Bugai Whyoulter: Desert Spirit at 8 Hele Gallery and Powerhouse Wanti II at the Courthouse Gallery+Studio in Port Hedland.

Sylvia’s first solo exhibition of her own work, Wanti Yuu, has just opened at Mosman Art Gallery.

Thanks to Martumili Artists and The Junction Co. for the introduction.

Read more: https://regionalartswa.org.au/behind-the-scenes-sylvia-wilson/

📷 Sylvia Wilson outside the Martumili Artists gallery 2023: Photo by Rift Photography, courtesy of Martumili Artists.

26/08/2026

Meet Blake!

Blake Wilberforce is a young rising star who has been painting up a storm lately! 🎨✨

Blake enjoys painting at night to relax before bed and is family to fellow Martumili Artists J. Tinker (dec.) and Peter Tinker Pija. Younger Martu artists often start painting alongside their parents, grandparents, and extended family, which fosters an organic learning process. This not only involves mastering painting techniques but also understanding specific locations, family histories, traditional ways of life, bush tucker, and Jukurrpa (Dreaming). Over time, with encouragement from their peers, they develop their own distinct styles and explore unique painting techniques and subject matter.

For the Mutuka Exhibition, Blake painted a series of car doors and bonnets, bringing his unique style and creativity to these unexpected canvases.
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The works are currently on display at Martumili Artists, so come by the Gallery and check them out while you can! Otherwise to view these works online, click the link https://gallery.martumili.com.au/product-tag/blake-wilberforce/

24/08/2026

Congratulations to Cyril Whyoulter, who has been announced as a finalist in the 2026 Morawa Art Awards with his beautiful painting Jartuti! 🎉

Jartuti is a water source close to Parnngurr Aboriginal Community (otherwise known as Cotton Creek). As Cyril describes, Jartuti lies close to the home of the jangara, fearsome beings from the Jukurrpa (Dreaming) era.

The exhibition is currently on display at the Art Deco Town Hall in Morawa, in Western Australia’s Mid West. The exhibition runs for just one week, from 22–30 August.

If you’re travelling through the Mid West this week, be sure to stop by and check out this striking painting ⚡

21/08/2026

August Shop Drop!

There's a lot happening in the studio, with our artists busy creating new works. We’ve recently welcomed new paintings from Punmu, Warralong, Jigalong and Kunawarritji communities.

Head to the online shop to view more of these new works🎨

18/08/2026

Last month, Sylvia Wilson received a Highly Commended prize at the Jury Art Prize for her beautiful artwork 'Healing Scarf'.

“This painting brings together two strong women: Gisèle Pelicot, a French wanti [woman], and Martu wanti Mulyatingki Marney. Though they live in different countries, they are deeply connected through a silk scarf that symbolises strength and resilience. The scarf holds a powerful meaning - it is inspired by a painting by Marney titled Wirlarra and was gifted by Older Women’s Network Australia.

Both women stand firmly in their voices and their presence in the world. They stand strong together in love and solidarity, their strength speaking across cultures and distance. Mulyatingki Marney is a strong Martu wanti with a powerful energy.

I would love for both women to meet one day, and to take Gisèle Pelicot to Martu Country - to experience the feeling of walking on Martu land, to sit among Martu women, and to be present on Country. In doing so, she could experience deep healing and gain insight into Martu culture.

This work reflects not only the bond between two women, but also a shared story of endurance, identity, and the power of expression.

Writing this in Paris is deeply emotional, being in her (Giselle’s) country has inspired me to paint more in that series. I felt closer to her in a way. It’s such a strong story”

- Sylvia Wilson

If you haven’t had the chance to see it yet, there’s still time! The Jury Art Prize is on until 21 August.

09/08/2026

Martumili Officers are a core part of our story - they keep the art sheds and town studio thriving by prepping art materials for artists 🎨

Lucinda Burton is one of our newest Martumili Officers based in Newman and is also a talented artist with her work “Punmu” currently featured in our Motorcar Exhibition in Newman — Swing past if you are in town!

☕ We sat down for a Cuppatea with Lucinda to ask her a few questions about her role.

You can read the full interview on our website. 🔗

08/08/2026

A little reminder if you haven't visited our new show yet, Mutuka Story! Open until mid-September, the exhibition has been a huge success. Here are the last available works by our incredible artists. Head to the link in bio to the online shop and… enjoy the drive! 🚗