Raelene Kerinauia Lampuwatu

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

Raelene was born on Bathurst Island and raised by her grandmother. Her older brother Vivian is also a painter. Raelene began designing screens for fabric printing in 1985 as a part of the adult education programme in Milikapiti and then started to paint when the new arts centre (Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association) was established in 1989. She remains one of the longest standing members at the art centre, having been there when it was incorporated in 1989. Aside for years of art career successes, Raelene has remain ed a strong voice of governance in the organisation, taking up positions on the Executive committee when called upon by the art centre membership. Initially she used brushes with ochres, but since 1999 has used the traditional painting techniques of using comb – kayimwagakini – combs are used for ceremonial body painting application and are typically made from ironwood. She has become well known for fine geometric jilamara design – derived from ceremonial body painting that is also applied to tutini poles and tunga (folded bark baskets) for Pukumani (mourning) ceremony.

Raelene was inspired to use the traditional technique of kayimwagakini when she saw older pole carvings in the National Museum (Canberra) by the late Tiwi carver Sugarbag Kapiti. The making of the comb is a skill itself, and Raelene’s late husband, carver James Tipiloura, carved Raelene’s painting combs.