Leigh Namponan was born in 1965 in Cairns and raised in Aurukun. He spent his childhood at an outstation south of Aurukun in his family’s country. Namponan’s work highlights ancestral totems of salt & freshwater animals and constellation subjects.

In this painting, Namponan depicts the saltwater country of Arukun, “The layers and texture that I paint are from my experience of walking and living in our Country. When I paint, I can show people a new way to see the Country.”1 Namponan’s coarse brushwork in this painting visually corresponds to the texture and ephemeral materiality of Country.

Namponan’s works of country look to reflect topographical changes, while honour ancestral connections “when I paint my Country, I show people the special connection we have to our waterways and forests. Our old people are still in our Country. We hear them singing to us through the birds and other animals that live there.” For Namponan, his art helps to learn about Arukun culture and articulate his learnings around the world.2

1. Aak Keenkanam: From The Beginning JCM Gallery, accessed 25th September 2025, https://issuu.com/jgmgallery/docs/aakkeenkanam_catalogue_master/s/27303249

2. Leigh Namponan, Wik & Kugu Arts Centre, accessed 25th September 2025, https://wikandkuguarts.com/artist/leigh-namponan-2/