Community Spotlight : Yulparitja Artists: Desert Heart

In 1999, Daniel Walbidi entered Short St Gallery in Broome. He shyly declared, that he lived out at Bidyadanga, a coastal Aboriginal Community 180 kilometres south of Broome, and that he would like to become an artist. Daniel then explained the history of his people, the Yulparitja. This is their story. 

During the 1960's drought began to change the landscape of the Great Sandy Desert in remote Western Australia where the Yulparitja then lived. The Percival Lakes began to dry up and the water system that fed the jila (living water holes), rock pools and soaks disappeared. The Yulparitja suspected magic, fearing that someone had 'sung' the water dry, many people died. They were unaware of the truth behind the deterioration of their land and the extent of white settlement which had been going on for 180 years. British nuclear testing to the south-east and mining explorations to the south, together with the expansion of grazing activities and genuine drought, all combined to rob the land of its natural resources and most importantly water. In the next decade the Yulparitja left their home country and many were taken or moved to La Grange mission on the west coast, at a place now called Bidyadanga.

The children of the Yulparitja would be raised according to saltwater life; fishing, hunting turtle and dugong, and attending schools established by the Catholic mission. Daniel Walbidi was one such child. He realised as he progressed through school that his interest in art was strong. Painting became a way for him to learn the stories and keep the culture of his people alive. With the support of Short St Gallery and Daniel, a generation of Yulparitja elders had the opportunity to work with modern art materials for the first time. The Yulparitja produced work of extraordinary style and colour, thus beginning what was then known as the Bidyadanga art movement. Their artwork combines their desert heritage with their saltwater experience: desert iconography is often portrayed in the rich blues, greens and reds of the coastal landscape. Critical to their work were the memories of their traditional country and the journeys taken through them both physical and mythical.

In 2007, the artists were able to visit their homeland for the first time in 40 years. The highly emotional experience was captured in the documentary, Desert Heart. It makes for a compelling, informative viewing and provides an excellent antidote to Covid boredom, and a reminder of what is truely important (link provided to Desert Heart below). The Yulparitja's notoriety grew quickly and they featured heavily in newsprint, important publications such as, Colour Power and Beyond Sacred, along with a strong following among collectors and buyers within Australia and Internationally. Their vibrant colours and dramatic energy, moved many people and challenged perceptions of what the desert landscape looked like.

Short St Gallery has sadly had to say goodbye to too many of these incredible artists as many have sadly since passed away. However, we continue to celebrate them with the same gusto and love that we always have. Daniel Walbidi continues to rise and carry the stories of his people's country and culture, translating them into his magnificent artworks. We have a beautiful selection of artworks available on the viewing page below. You can also visit our website and search for each artists collection. As part of of our Community Spotlight we are offering 10% off all purchases of Yulparitja artwork until the end of May. 

May's special promotion continues! Short St Gallery has a special limited edition print by Margaret Baragurra on offer. To be in the draw to win, sign up to our mailing list and follow us on either Facebook or Instagram, competition ends May 31st 2020, (unfortunately you are not eligible if you already receive our emails). Pass the message on to a friend and do them a favour!

In our efforts to continue to support and promote the industry we love and the artists we work with Short St Gallery will be doing Artist Profiles and Community Spotlights regularly, often with a special promotion, so keep your eyes on our emails for that little bit of something special. You can access our fun new View on a Wall option by clicking on an image and then selecting View on a Wall. You can contact us via email or phone for all enquiries, to arrange a live chat or have additional images sent to you. We will also be posting videos and still footage of the featured artworks on our social media accounts to bring a little bit of the joy of art to your lounge rooms.