Jackie Wirramanda
Jackie Wirramanda is a multifaceted First Nations artist recognised for her paintings, jewelry, textiles, and ceramics. Connected to the Dja Dja Wurrung, Wergaia, Djupagulk, Wemba Wemba, and Ngarrindjeri Peoples, her work weaves traditional iconography, water pools, clan gathering sites, and journey lines with narratives of cultural and environmental stewardship.
Jackie’s visual works are characterised by bold designs that capture attention and draw viewers in, revealing layers of intricate simplicity intertwined with energetic complexity. Her vibrant colour palette showcases an array of hues, inviting a dialogue between the observer and the artwork while reflecting the richness of her heritage and surroundings.
Over the past decade, Jackie has immersed herself fully in the arts, exploring mediums that honour her ancestors’ wisdom. This journey has led her across Central and Western Australia, where she has spent time alongside Elders and cultural knowledge holders, deepening her understanding of traditions connected to fire, storytelling, and custodianship. These experiences continue to ripple through her artistic practice.
Through her art, Jackie Wirramanda continues to amplify the voices of her ancestors while forging pathways for cultural continuity, proving that heritage is not static but a living, breathing force shaped by connection, creativity, and unwavering dedication to Country.
1. Walking on Country Series: This collection portrays underground water systems and natural ochre deposits, capturing the shimmering essence of shallow water pools. Integrating imagery of dilly bags, Jackie pays homage to traditional weaving practices and the enduring role of women as cultural caretakers.
Jackie’s art centers the narratives of female resilience and intergenerational knowledge, celebrating the contributions of Indigenous women to community and Country. Her work, lauded for its cultural depth and quiet power, bridges ancestral traditions with contemporary expression.
– 2024: Waḻpa, Lennox Street Gallery; debut showcase at Japingka Gallery
– 2023: Lume Connection, Melbourne, VIC
– 2021: Summer Salon, Metro Gallery, Melbourne, VIC
– 2020: Walpa Winaka: To Burn and Leave, Metro Gallery, Melbourne, VIC
– 2018: Finalist, Indigenous Ceramic Award, Shepparton Art Museum, VIC
In 2024, Jackie’s Japingka Gallery debut drew acclaim for its layered exploration of connection—to land, lineage, and the shared journey she and Robby have nurtured for nearly three decades. Her latest works, infused with insights from her time with the Pintupi Nine, reflect a deepening dialogue between desert and river Country, ancient practices, and modern resilience.
