dhopiya-yunupinu-dec
Homeland: Biranybirany
Clan: Gumatj, Rrakpala group
Moiety: Yirritja
Dhopiya is a daughter of Muŋgurrawuy Yunupiŋu. She lives and works in Yirrkala, North East Arnhemland. Her siblings include Australians of the Year, Galarrwuy and Mandawuy(Yothu Yindi Lead singer) and celebrated artists Gulumbu, Barrupu, Nyapanyapa, Djerrkŋu and Djakaŋu Yunupiŋu.
Dhopiya was married to Djalu Gurruwiwi whom sadly passed away in 2022. Djalu is a senior lawman for the Gålpu clan and world renowned yiḏaki (Didjeridoo) specialist. Dhopiya often assisted him with finding and making yiḏaki. She is very experienced with yiḏaki identification and is a very skilled yiḏaki maker in her own right. Dhopiya has travelled with her husband to Germany, Asia, the United States and Dubai.
In early 2022 following the passing of her sisters Nyapanyapa and Djerrkŋu and her late husband the famous yiḏaki maker Djalu Gurruwiwi Dhopiya began painting at Buku Larrŋgay Mulka on bark, ceramic vessels and larrakitj (memorial poles). Her works inspired by her knowledge and connection to Maccassan traders and ceremonial activities. Mostly focussed on using a figurative style Dhopiya’s work quickly caught the attention of visitors and her first body of work titled ‘Maŋgatharra to Marege – South Western Sulawesi to North East Arnhemland’ shown at Sullivan+Strumpf Gallery in Sydney 2023.
Following this Dhopiya had two more solo exhibitions with Sullivan+Strumpf in both Melbourne and Sydney, her work continued to develop and explore themes of connection to Yolŋu-Makassan relationships in more abstracted visual forms. She was selected for inclusion in the 24th Biennale of Sydney – Ten Thousand Suns and was a finalist in the 40th NATSIAA Awards at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.
Dhopiya was also shortlisted by Creative Australia for the 61st La Biennale di Venice before her sudden and sad passing at the end of 2024.
