Matthew Djipurrtjun

Matthew, also known as Teapot (a name he inherited from his grandfather), is a Ganalbiŋu Malibirr man. He lives in Milingimbi close to his mothers country, but his country is around the Arafura Swamp near Rammiŋgining, a place he visits as often as he can.

Matthew and his brothers were taught by his father to paint, and sing and dance manikay (ancestral songlines). He is active in ceremony and seen as an emerging cultural leader by many in the community. The designs he paints for Milingimbi Art and Culture are miny’tji (sacred clan designs) that are used in Malibirr ceremonies; painted on bodies, memorial poles and other raŋga (ceremonial objects). 

“All my paintings, they got story. All from Ngaliyindi, my yirralka (homeland). Special place that one. Sacred country for me. Too much animals there, by that big billabong. They are my dreaming, that warrnyu (flying fox), watu (dog), liji-liji (finch).