MELBOURNE ART FAIR 2026

Born in 1938, Koongotema is recognised as the most senior Wik-Mungkan elder of the Winchanam Ceremonial Clan and the custodian of several important creation sites of totemic significance including the dilly bag, fishing net, Burdekin Duck and White Bellied Sea Eagle. Janet carries forward knowledge that is central to Winchanam Clan identity and cultural continuity.

Since 2010, Koongotema has adapted her weaving skills to painting, where her deep cultural knowledge forms a vital part of her contemporary artistic practice. Using dramatic colour compositions to depict her ancestral homelands along the Archer River near Aurukun, Janet’s paintings reflect deeply held knowledge of a life lived in constant relationship to the Land. She describes her Country as “a very colourful place” where waters shimmer with striking hues.

Archer River Country will be Koongotema’s first Melbourne exhibition, and first solo exhibition since 2011. This exhibition will subsequently be displayed at D Lan Galleries Melbourne.