Photo © Tobias Titz
SHOP ARTWORKS BY MUUKI
Born c. 1945
“Long ago we were living [a pujiman lifestyle]. Our people took us about and grew us up. We stayed around in the north and grew up around Punmu… and along the lake [Nyayartakujarra, Lake Dora] to Karlamilyi. We would [hunt] animals… eat kalaru (salt bush, samphire) seeds, [witchetty] grubs… [and] minta (botanical gum).
We would see aeroplanes, then we would run and keep quiet in the bushes. We didn’t know what it was. We had never seen a white man… We stayed there, where there were no white men. We didn’t see any motorcars. Nothing… Then Aborigines and white men got us and took us to Jigalong.”
- Muuki Taylor as translated by Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa
Muuki was born around 1945 at Wayinkurangu, a soak located within the Percival Lakes region of the Great Sandy Desert. He is the eldest brother of fellow Martumili Artists Wokka Taylor and Ngalangka Nola Taylor. In his youth Muuki’s family travelled hundreds of kilometres on foot, from the northern boundary of the Martu homelands through to Parrngurr, at the southern end of the Karlamily (Rudall River) region. They continued to live a pujiman (traditional, desert dweliing) lifestyle until being collected from Balfour Downs Station and taken to Jigalong Mission in the 1960s. They were one of the last Martu families to leave the desert.
Muuki is a highly respected cultural leader, and is often called upon as an authority by other artists. In addition to painting with Martumili Artists, Muuki works as a senior cultural advisor for local Martu ranger group, Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa, where he provides invaluable advice and guidance.
Muuki paints his ngurra (home Country, camp) in the north of Martu Country, with a particular focus on Kulyakartu; flat, grass Country close to the Percival Lakes. He spent much time in this area in his youth, and has incredibly in depth knowledge of its resources, physical elements, seasonal life cycles and Jukurrpa (Dreaming) narratives. His works are encyclopaedic, detailing all aspects of Country from vanished roads to living water sources embedded within a subtle patina composed of hovering dots and brushstrokes. Muuki’s work has been exhibited widely across Australia and internationally, and acquired by the National Museum of Australia and Art Gallery of Western Australia.
In 2020 Muuki was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his service to Martu and work with KJ. His Excellency Chris Dawson, Governor of Western Australia, presented the award to Muuki on behalf of all Australians.
COLLECTIONS
National Gallery of Australia, ACT
Art Gallery of Western Australia, WA
National Museum of Australia, ACT
AWARDS
2022 Finalist, Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award, NATSIAA
2021 Finalist, WAMA Art Prize (Works on Paper), Ararat Gallery TAMA
2017 Finalist, Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award, NATSIAA
2013 Finalist, Glencore Art Centre Award
