Warnayaka Art is located in the remote community of Lajamanu on the northern edge of the Tanami Desert in the Northern Territory. Established in the 1980s, the art centre supports Warlpiri artists to share their stories through painting, artefacts and evolving contemporary practices.
Warnayaka is governed by a Board of Warlpiri Directors and supported by the next generation of artists from the community. Their works are bold, confident and deeply connected to culture, Country and Jukurrpa (Dreaming). Warnayaka artists exhibit across Australia and internationally.
Art sales directly support our artists and help sustain Warnayaka Art Centre as a vital community hub in Lajamanu.
Our Artists
The stories of Warlpiri people are carried through their art. Artists draw on deep cultural knowledge to create works that reflect their connection to Country, community and the enduring strength of Warlpiri culture.
Each artist develops their own distinctive style while remaining grounded in shared cultural knowledge and storytelling.
Our Art
At the heart of Warnayaka Art is the passing of cultural knowledge between generations.
Artists express deep connections to language, family, law, ceremony and Country through paintings on canvas and linen, the making of traditional artefacts, and exploration of evolving contemporary mediums.
Our Studio
Warnayaka Art Studio is a place of peaceful contemplation. Artists gather to paint, talk and share stories as they work.
It is also an important community space in Lajamanu, staffed by Warlpiri people who support artists in their creative practice. Here, artists come together to create, exchange knowledge and continue a strong tradition of Warlpiri art.
Latest Artworks
Witchetty Grub Dreaming
$3,200.00
bush seed dreaming
$3,200.00
Women’s Dreaming
$680.00
Seed Dreaming
$3,200.00
Storytelling
Art has long been a way of recording and passing on knowledge. Warlpiri ceremony draws on dance, music, singing, body painting, fire, ground mosaics and art on wooden objects, together with ceremonial dress. These ceremonies impress important knowledge into the memories of those attending, ensuring it is preserved and passed on to future generations. Many of these teachings relate to land, responsibility and the care of Country.
Artistic Practice
Artists develop their techniques by observing and learning from their Elders, continuing a strong lineage of artistic knowledge at Warnayaka. Through this process, each new generation contributes to the evolving artistic styles of Lajamanu across painting, artefacts and other contemporary mediums.
Colours are often bright and applied with confidence. These bold visual elements trace back to much older practices, including the use of ochre applied to the body during ceremony.
Our Partners
Warnayaka Art gratefully acknowledges the support of our partners and collaborators. Their contribution helps create meaningful opportunities for Warlpiri artists and community members while enabling the sharing of Warlpiri art and culture with wider audiences.
