Judy Martin Australian - Pitjantjatjara, 1963-2022
Judy Martin is a senior Pitjantjatjara artist living and working in Mimili Community on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in north-west South Australia. Judy was born near Ngatunitja waterhole in the northern APY Lands. Her father was Pompey Everard and his country was Wakura, near Nyapari in the west. Her mother was Molly Pompey, whose country was Puntiri near Sandy Bore, 30kms south of Mimili. Judy spent her youth traveling between communities, and getting to know country intimately. As a young woman, Judy became a Ngangkari (traditional healer), a practice she maintains until today. She continues to have strong connections to her family in Nyapari and Kanpi, her father’s country, whilst living in her mother’s country. Judy draws her inspiration from a wealth of cultural knowledge, connecting two geographically far removed locations in her paintings. Judy is known for her bold visual language, and the deep joy for storytelling she brings to her community.