Nicholas Mario

Skin: Wantaringuwi (Sun)
Country: Ranku
Dance: Yirrikapayi (Crocodile)

Nicholas was born in Darwin. His Mother was from the Tiwi Islands and his Father was Greek.

Growing up on Bathurst Island, he learned painting skills from his Grandmother Carol Babui and carving skills from his Tiwi Grandfather and Uncles. He started painting soon after he finished school.

Aside from art, Nicholas’ other great love was for football and he played around regional Australia for many years. On the Tiwi Islands he has played for the Imalu Tigers and Alice Springs he played for the Pioneers and the Federals.

After moving to Milikapiti (Snake Bay, Melville Island) he became a member of Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association in 2012. Prior to that Nicholas worked at Munupi Art Centre which operates in the other main Melville Island community of Pirlangimpi (Garden Point).

Nicholas has his own distinct jilamara (design derived from traditional body painting) and likes to paint on canvas and paper and ironwood tutini poles that he also carves. He has also made several limited-edition prints and a screen-printed design for Jilamara Art’s textile line.

Nicholas sadly passed away in 2019, but his art sales continue to support his family and daughters.