MICHELLE PULUTUWAYU WOODY MINNIPINNI

The exhibition showcases a new body of paintings where Michelle continues her use of natural ochres sourced from sacred sites on Murrakupupuni around Milikapiti. The earth pigments are collected, crushed and burned into white, yellow and red, reflecting the colours of the island’s landscape. Michelle applies these pigments using the kayimwagakimi, or pwoja, a toothed painting tool carved from locally harvested ironwood, traditionally used in jilamara (Tiwi body painting). Drawing the comb’s teeth through the paint in measured, repeated strokes, she builds fields of fine dotted lines across bark and canvas, a technique passed down through generations of body painting now translated onto a new surface, while still carrying the same discipline and intent.

This exhibition follows on from Michelle’s recent residency and solo exhibition, Ngiya Murrakupupuni amintiya Jilamara (My Country and Art), 2026, at the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection, University of Virginia, United States.