Born in 1927 in, Djillinginimir, Eastern Arnhem Land. Namiyal learnt the art of weaving from her mother. Namiyal developed her style of bright dyed pandanus and tight woven form.
It was not until the 1980’s when Namiyal learnt the art of painting while assisting her late second husband Tony Djikululu (1938-1992). Namiyal soon developed her own painting style, often-depicting: dhapalany (Itchy Caterpillars), bush food, snakes and subjects from the famous story of the Wagilag Sisters. Namiyal also paints Wayanaka (oyster beds) from her rocky saltwater country east of Ramingining, Central Arnhem Land.
Namiyal contributed to the Dupan (Hollow Logs) for the 1988 Aboriginal Memorial, an installation of 200 Dupun commemorating the deaths of indigenous people since white occupation. The installation was exhibited at the Biennial of Sydney- beneath the Southern Cross, before moving to the National Gallery of Australia as a permanent display
Namiyal has experienced great success both nationally and internationally, with major exhibitions in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra, and work in public and private collections such as the Australian National Gallery, Canberra and the John Kluge collection at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, USA. Namiyal continues to be a sought after painter.
– Courtesy of Bula Bula Arts, Ramingining
