Jilamara, 2003 by Freda Warlapinni, 78x63cm, 8202FW

"Jilamara, 2003" by Freda Warlapinni is a striking artwork created using natural ochres on canvas. These significant artistic designs, known as ‘Jilamara,’ are traditionally worn on the body and face during Tiwi yoyi (dances). Participants in these ceremonies are painted with turtiyanginari (different natural ochre colours) in varying designs, transforming the dancers and sometimes providing protection against recognition by mapurtiti (spirits).

Freda's artworks are characterised by their vitality and exuberant energy. Her paintings often seem spontaneous but are created with slow, careful, and deliberate strokes. Her compositions of dots, lines, and blocks of color evolved into a minimal design focusing on the rhythm, movement, and energy of mulypinyini (line) interspersed with her 'wildflower' (Japartinga – tree orchid), representing delicate blossoms that grow during the dry season. Freda's paintings also reflect the influences of the ceremonial pukumani poles painted by her father.

Freda Warlapinni, whose skin name is Anjiluwi (Rain) and whose country is Yimpinari, performs the Marntipani (Seagull) dance. Part of the Stolen Generations, she lived most of her life with missionaries on Bathurst Island before relocating to Milikapiti on Melville Island around 1970. She began painting for ceremonies and expanded to canvas and paper in 1996 at the Jilamara Arts and Craft Centre. Influenced by the ceremonial pukumani poles her father painted, Freda later included printmaking in her artistic repertoire.

Painting provenance: Jilamara Arts Catalogue 479-03.