Rebekah Yunupingu Tiwi, b. 1992

Rebekah was born in Darwin and raised between the communities of Pirlangimpi and Wurrimyanga, back then it was called Nguiu.

 

‘My country is Pinyanapi I get my Dreaming, country and blood from my Father. My Mother's Country is Yimpinari, Melville Island. My Dreaming is Trick Dance.

 

My Mother’s Parents were Marjorie and Dinny Dunn. Father's Parents are Celesta and Leaonard Tungatalum, being the eldest of their grandchildren I grew up mostly with them. Traveling, going to ceremonies, kulama, funerals.

 

My grandfather was a strong culture man who would make sure me and my three sisters had to participate in our culture parts. I grew up sketching landscapes with my father Daryl, it wasn't until I lost my youngest son in 2018 that I took up painting. It helped me emotionally when I had bad thoughts, or depression and suicidal ideas. I'm glad that I still have something that still helps me today with everyday life.’

- Rebekah Yunupingu