The Mowanjum Art Studio is a place where young and old gather together to create and inspire one another. It is a meeting place for the people of Mowanjum as well as communities along the Gibb River Road, through the Kimberley Coast and as far away as Kalumburu.

Ngarinyin, Woddorda (Worrorra) and Wunumbal artists continue to carve yuwugun or yoogu (boab nuts) as well as take inspiration from older works of incised garlmbi (helicopter tree), slate and jaguli or jagoli (pearlshell). Paintings are often inspired from rock paintings of their ancestors and flora and fauna from their homelands. Photography is a medium that helps to reflect on family, tradition and the transition into a new century.

Artists translate these traditional skills in carving and painting into more contemporary etchings, woodcut prints and screen printing. Together they build on a centuries-long history of artistic practice.

Lately, Mowanjum artist became inspired by new media and create beautiful designs for fashion, specialising on swim and beach wear. In addition, some artist also started to work in ceramics and experiment with different methods.

WORKSHOP

Every day in the workshop, artists are mixing paint, crushing ochre, stretching and priming canvases and constructing stretcher frames.

Here, the artists are trained in the technical preparation of materials to a best practice standard. Throughout the year, the workshop hosts a range of creative and technical training opportunities, including pearl shell or wood carving.