Warlayirti Artists - Balgo

Warlayirti Artists is an artist-run cooperative art centre in Balgo, a small community of around 400 people in Western Australia, situated at the edge of the Tanami Desert to the east, the Great Sandy Desert to the south, and the foothills of the Kimberley to the north. Balgo was originally established in 1964 as a Catholic Mission Station and brought together Aboriginal people from different areas and language groups. Warlayirti Artists represents three communities in the Kutjungka region: Kururrungka (Bililuna), Mulan, and Wirrimanu (Balgo) representing eight language groups: Kukatja, Walmatjarri, Ngarti, Jaru, Wangkatjunga, Pintupi, Warlpiri and Ngaatjatjaras. The art from Warlayirti Artists is charged by this cultural diversity.

Iconic forms, bright palettes, and densely applied paint have defined Balgo art over the last thirty years. Artists apply paint confidently and directly to the canvas and reflect the rich cultural traditions of their Country.