Djambawa Marawili

Djambawa is a visual artist, sculptor, administrator and leader of the Madarrpa clan. As leader of the Madarrpa clan, Djambawa is a caretaker for the spiritual wellbeing of his own and related clan and his art is closely related to his role as leader.

Djambawa's homeland Baniyala (Yilpara) is the largest homeland centre serviced by Buku- Larrnggay Mulka.

Djambawa is also a committee and board member of numerous organisations including chairperson of Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre from 1994-2000 and appointed board member of the Australia Council, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts board from 2004 to 2007. He is currently the chairman of the Association of Northern and Kimberley Aboriginal Artists Association (ANKAAA).

Djambawa’s art is closely related to his role as leader and he draws on the sacred foundation of his people to represent the power of Yolngu and educate others in the justice of his people’s struggle for recognition. His multi-figurative sculptures and bark paintings are represented in most major Australian collections and several important overseas public and private collections. In 1996 Djambawa won the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award for the Best Bark Painting.

In 2003 Djambawa was a recipient of an Australia Council, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts fellowship. The fellowship enabled Djambawa to fulfil three major roles: as ceremonial leader, as an artist and as an Indigenous advocate by doing workshops, cultural projects and having an exhibition in 2005 at Annandale Galleries in Sydney.