Magpie Goose by Pedro Wonaeamirri, Arches Paper, 57x76cm

"Magpie Goose" by Pedro Wonaeamirri is a striking painting in natural ochres on arches paper depicting his country, Paluwiyanga/Andranganoo (Goose Creek), located on the eastern side of Melville Island. He describes his heritage: “The land or country where I come from is from my father’s father, my grandfather.”

Pedro's contemporary art practice is deeply rooted in Jilamara, or “design,” which is derived from ceremonial body painting and the ornate decoration applied to tutini poles, tunga (bark baskets), and other ritual objects made for Pukumani (mourning) ceremonies and Tiwi Yoi (dance). He exclusively uses ochres sourced from in and around Milikapiti, applying these colours with meticulous fine detail using traditional tools like the kayimwagakimi, a wooden comb made from ironwood. He explains, “The designs are already in my head, and I use the Kayimwagakimi, our traditional wooden comb made from ironwood and natural ochres from the island to paint.”

Pedro is a senior cultural leader on the Tiwi Islands with a profound knowledge of the old Tiwi language and all the songs and dances important to Tiwi culture.

Pedro's artistic journey began at Jilamara Arts & Crafts Association, where he learned from senior artists like Kitty Kantilla and Paddy Freddy Puruntatameri. He works across various mediums, including natural ochres on paper, linen, and bark, as well as print-making and carving. His carvings and paintings, characterised by refined linear geometry, draw on Tiwi parlingari (creation) narratives and the story of Purukupali, which forms the basis of the Pukumani ceremony.

Reflecting on his status as a senior artist in the contemporary age, Pedro says, “You can think back to the old days, but always remember: you’re not there yourself. It’s like a little tree that grows into a big tree. When you start to become an artist, you watch your elders, learn the songs and the dances – then you make your own way.”