Artist

Pedro Wonaeamirri’s artistic practice reaffirms his standing as a significant and influential Tiwi artist of generations past and present. A leader in his community, Wonaeamirri meticulously depicts the traditional Jilamara design and aesthetic, resulting in a highly sophisticated and contemporary interpretation of his culture. His artworks indicate a profound knowledge of his heritage, combined with a confidence that allows him to approach his compositions with his own unique vision. 

Pedro Wonaeamirri is an active artist and long-established member of Jilamara Arts and Crafts Aboriginal Association at Milikapiti, Melville Island, Northern Territory and the artist joined the stable of artists at Alcaston Gallery in 1991. In 2000, Wonaeamirri was named Young Australian of the Year in the Arts section. 

In 2017, Pedro Wonaeamirri’s work was exhibited in the major exhibition Defying Empire the National Indigenous Art Triennial at the National Gallery of Australia; the exhibition traveled to numerous major galleries and institutions until 2020.

In 2020, Pedro Wonaeamirri and Patrick Freddy Puruntatameri were selected to participate in the prestigious Biennale of Sydney, exhibiting a major installation at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney. Under the direction of Brook Andrew, NIRIN brings together over 100 artists, creatives and collectives across six sites: Art Gallery of NSW, Artspace, Campbelltown Arts Centre, Cockatoo Island, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia and the National Art School.  NIRIN which means “edge” in the language of the Wiradjuri people of central NSW offers a space for the 100-plus artists to gather and share, to rejoice, disrupt and reimagine the world, and to challenge dominant narratives. 

Most recently, in 2021, Pedro Wonaeamirri participated in a major exhibition entitled TIWI,at the 38th Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA).

Wonaeamirri's work has been collected by major institutions including the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, Queensland Art Gallery, Brisbane, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney and the Commonwealth Institute, London.

© Jilamara Arts & Crafts and Alcaston Gallery, 2024

For an extended CV, please contact Alcaston Gallery at art@alcastongallery.com.au