Ochre Imprints showcases the work from the three art centres on the Tiwi Islands; Munupi Arts and Crafts, Tiwi Design and Jilamara Arts and Craft. The exhibition includes work by both prolific and emerging artists demonstrating the diverse artistic talent evident on the Tiwi Islands.

Tiwi Islanders continuously practice the art of body painting (jilamara) for ceremonial purposes. The patterning used is primarily decorative with the emphasis on strength of design rather than narrative.

Ochre is an inherent part of Tiwi life. The natural earth pigments are collected and used to adorn the body for ceremonial purposes during Pukumani (funeral) and Kulama (initiation/yam) ceremonies.

Each artist interprets jilamara in a unique and distinctive fashion. This is demonstrated by the varied styles that are noticeable in Tiwi art. Designs can be organised and uniformed creating a structured and sophisticated aesthetic or free flowing and gestural.

The Tiwi Islands are located approximately 100km north of Darwin in the Arafura Sea. The Tiwi Islands consist of Bathurst and Melville Island and are home to three thriving and diverse art centres.

Tiwi Design Aboriginal Corporation is located in the township of Nguiu on Bathurst Island and was established in1969. Munupi Arts and Craft Association opened in 1990; the art centre is located at Pirlangimpi (Garden Point) on Melville’s Islands north western coastline. Jilamara Arts and Craft Association at Milikapiti (Snake Bay) on Melville Island commenced operation in 1989.

The three art centres are committed to the development and promotion of both traditional and contemporary art and craft in the form of painting, pottery, carving, weaving, screen prints, etchings, lino cuts, lithographs and screen printed textiles. Artists solely use natural ochre’s to honor and reflect traditional culture that is an intrinsic part of Tiwi life.