Dhopiya Yunupinu

Dhopiya Yunupiŋu is Yolŋu artist of the Gumatj clan, living and working in Yirrkala, North East Arnhemland. Her works are inspired by her knowledge and connection to Makassan traders, the Indonesian fisherman with whom the Yolŋu people had a rich relationship for hundreds of years.

Yunupiŋu was included in the 24th Biennale of Sydney, Ten Thousand Suns, UNSW Galleries, Sydney (2024). Other recent solo exhibitions include Djärritjarri – The Woven Cloth, Sullivan+Strumpf, Melbourne (2024), and Maŋgatharra to Marege (South Western Sulawesi to North East Arnhem Land), Sullivan+Strumpf, Sydney (2023). Her work is included in major institutional collections, including the National Gallery of Australia and the Powerhouse.

In early 2022, following the passing of her sisters Nyapanyapa and Djerrkŋu and her late husband, Dhopiya began painting at Buku Larrŋgay Mulka on bark, ceramic vessels and larrakitj. Mostly focussed on using a figurative style, Yunupiŋu’s work quickly caught the attention of visitors and her first body of work was shown in at Sulllivan+Strumpf, Sydney, in 2023.

Yunupiŋu is a daughter of Muŋgurrawuy Yunupiŋu. Her siblings include Australians of the Year, Galarrwuy and Mandawuy(Yothu Yindi Lead singer) and celebrated artists Gulumbu, Barrupu, Nyapanyapa, Djerrkŋu and Djakaŋu Yunupiŋu. Yunupiŋu is married to Djalu Gurruwiwi whom sadly passed away in 2022. Djalau is a senior lawman for the Gålpu clan and world reknowned yiḏaki (Didjeridoo) specialist. Yunupiŋu often assisted him with finding and making yiḏaki. She is very experienced with yiḏaki identifaction and is a very skilled yiḏaki maker in her own right.

Source: Buku Larrngay Mulka Centre