Artist

Djakangu Yunupingu is a Yolngu elder and distinguished artist based in Yirrkala in the Northern Territory whose celestial paintings depict the story of the Djulpan, the story of the Pleiades constellation known as the Seven Sisters.

The daughter of the late Gumatj leader, activist, and prominent Australian painter Muŋgurrawuy Yunupiŋu (c.1905–1979), Djakaŋu Yunupiŋu comes from a family revered across artistic, literary and political fields, including her brother, Dr G Yunupingu, the former Northern Land Council chairman and a leader in land rights legislation; Yothu Yindi lead singer Dr Mandawuy Yunupiŋu; and her sisters, the highly esteemed artists known collectively as the ‘Seven Sisters’ including 2004 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NAATSIA) first prize winner Ms G Yunupiŋu (c. 1945 – 2012); Ms B Yunupiŋu (c. 1948 – 2012); 2022 NATSIAA Bark Painting Award winner Ms D Yunupiŋu (c. 1945 – 2022); 2008 NATSIAA Wandjuk Marika 3D Memorial Award winner, 2017 NATSIAA Bark Painting Award winner and 2021 Wynne Prize winner Ms N Yunupiŋu (c. 1945 – 2021); Dhopiya Yunupiŋu; Ranydjupi Yunupiŋu; and, Djakaŋu Yunupiŋu herself.

Following her remarkable debut solo exhibition 'Gurmalili – Tears of the Djulpan' at Alcaston Gallery in 2023, Djakangu Yunupingu was immediately recognised as a rising star in Australian contemporary art and was invited to present a prominent, large-scale solo installation at the 2023 TARNANTHI Festival of Contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art at the Art Gallery of South Australia in Adelaide.

Djakangu Yunupingu has developed into a distinguished painter with precise technique and an exquisite sense of composition. Her paintings on larrakitj, bark, and timber board stand out not only as the continuation of a powerful family lineage, but her distinctive style and restrained use of colour affirm her standing within the contemporary art context.

Djakangu Yunupingu is presenting her second solo exhibition at Alcaston Gallery, Melbourne, from 5 April 2024.

© The Artist, Buku-Larrnggay Mulka and Alcaston Gallery, Melbourne 2024

For an extended CV, please contact Alcaston Gallery at art@alcastongallery.com.au