Martumili Artists was established by Martu people living in the communities of Parnpajinya (Newman), Jigalong, Parnngurr, Punmu, Kunawarritji, Irrungadji and Warralong, and it draws on strong influences of Aboriginal art history. The artists and their families are the traditional custodians of vast stretches of the Great Sandy, Little Sandy and Gibson Deserts as well as the Karlamilyi (Rudall River) area.
Art Mob has had a long association with this art centre initiated through a strange coincidence. Euan’s father, Gavin Hills, was an optical physicist and was at Woomera in 1964 when the Blue Streak missiles were being tested. Martu country was the target and thought at the time to have no population. Wrong! Yuwali and her group tried to evade capture by rangers as they tried to clear the area. Their story is wonderfully told in Sue Davenport’s book “Cleared Out” and with its DVD “Contact”.
