yinimala-gumana
Homeland: Gangan
Clan: Dhaḻwaŋu
Moiety: Yirritja
Son of Dhakawal. Assisted Gawirriṉ Gumana AO on his NATSIAA First Prize pole. After his father’s death he has been raised by legendary elder and artist Gawirriṉ, his father’s brother.
Yinimala has patiently assisted his uncle or classificatory father with the cross hatching on many of his major works. He has also travelled to exhibitions with him and has been educated in the Yolŋu law in ceremony. Accordingly the maturity of his artwork and manner is striking for one so young.
He was one of the five artists chosen by elders and the Art Centre to represent their generation in the ‘Young Guns’ show at Annandale Galleries in June 2006.
He has been anointed as a future Dalkarra/Djirrikay (leader of Dhuwa and Yirritja ceremonies).
He is a member of Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre’s managing Committee. In 2011 he was elected Chairperson of Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre.
In 2008 he was again selected to exhibit in Young Guns II.
His first child was born around this time.
In 2009 he was one of the ambassadors chosen to visit Canberra and argue the case for homelands with federal politicians.
