Gulumbu Yunupingu

Who was Gulumbu Yunupingu?

Gulumbu Yunupingu was an Australian Aboriginal artist and women's leader from the Yolngu people of Arnhem Land, in the Northern Territory of Australia.

Born in Gunyungarra, Northern Territory, Yunupingu was a member of the Gumatj clan and spoke the Gumatj language. She was a sister of Aboriginal leader Galarrwuy Yunupingu and Mandawuy Yunupingu, the singer from rock band Yothu Yindi.

Her art has been widely exhibited all around the world, and was the opening exhibit in the newly restored $370 million Quai Branly Museum in Paris Her work is also exhibited in the National Gallery of Australia and she has won many awards for her work. In 2004 she won the 21st National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award for a piece entitled Garak, The Universe, which consists of three memorial poles, decorated in her own style, which combines traditional Yolngu designs with her own modern interpretation. In 2012, a painting on wood titled Garrurru, weighing a tonne and measuring seven by three metres, was installed at the Australian National University.

She died on May 10th 2012.