Christine Yantumba

Christine Yantumba is a freshwater woman from the Thaayorre and Kugu clans.  Her father’s homeland is Purp and her mother’s is Top Holroyd. Her totems are the Emu, Black Duck and Red Legged Devil Man.

“I was born in Pormpuraaw and have lived here all my life.  I love camping and fishing with my family.  I really love swimming in the freshwater at our homeland Purp.

There is a big Rainbow Serpent story at Purp.  There is always water in a big, long pool there and in the middle is a large rock.  The Rainbow Serpent broke that rock when he was trying to squeeze past it. He then took off with some of the broken rock on his head.  Christine started working at the Pormpuraaw Art Centre when it opened in 2005.

She paints, prints and creates sculpture using ghost net. Painting is her favourite art form and this is the medium she uses most. Christine is one of the few artists we have who paints dots to create small decorative patterns. Her work celebrates her culture, community and country.