Bugai Whyoulter

Bugai Whyoulter was born at Pukayiyirna, on present day Balfour Downs Station, though her parents soon travelled northward with her through Jigalong and Nullagine toward Kunawarritji. Bugai continued to live nomadically with her family and later with her husband before eventually deciding to move to Jigalong Mission, joining many other relatives that had already travelled in from the desert following a prolonged and severe drought. In more recent years she has lived in Kunawarritji community, where she was taught to paint by relatives Nora Nungabar and Nora Wompi. The three women painted together as often as possible. Today Bugai is considered one of most established Martumili Artists, and is known as a master of colour, gesture and subtlety.

Text: Corban Clause Williams

© Bugai Whyoulter and Martumili