Owen Yalandja

Owen Yalandja (born 1961) is a renowned Aboriginal artist from the Maningrida region in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia. He is a member of the Kuninjku people and is celebrated for his intricate sculptures and bark paintings that often depict the mimi spirits and yawkyawk (female water spirits) from his cultural heritage.

Yalandja's work is characterized by its detailed rarrk (cross-hatching) technique and the use of natural earth pigments, which create vibrant and textured pieces. His sculptures, particularly of the mimi spirits, are notable for their elongated forms and dynamic poses, capturing the essence of these ancestral beings.

Owen Yalandja's art has been exhibited widely across Australia and internationally, gaining recognition for its artistic excellence and cultural significance. His contributions to the preservation and promotion of Kuninjku culture through his art have made him an influential figure in the contemporary Indigenous art scene. His works are held in major public and private collections, reflecting both his talent and the deep cultural narratives they embody.