Maria Josette ORSTO

born 1962, Pularumpi, Melville Island
lives and works Nguiu, Bathurst Island
Skin name: Japajapunga (March Fly)
Language group: Tiwi

On Australia’s Tiwi Islands the art of body painting for ceremonial culture has been practiced for thousands of years and the traditional forms of mark-making were derived from the creation story.
 
All Jilamara, (traditional Tiwi design), is originally drawn from the body painting which accompanied the Pukumani (funeral) and Kulama (initiation/yam) ceremonies.  All artists use a simple three colour organic palette of – natural white, yellow  and red ochre.
 
Maria Josette Orsto’s works are characterised by her exceptionally fine, delicate application of ochres.  Orsto’s art like all the other Tiwi artists is based on Jilamara - which does not have a narrative. Instead it is each artist's personal interpretation.

Miyinga Jilamara by Orsto is a great example of the exceptional fine application of ochres that she is renowned for. The work’s sophisticated and intricate play of positive and negative patterning creates a striking geometric composition.

Other selected artwork acquisitions