Irene Namok 44x69cm Acrylic on linen - Lockhart River Art Center
Irene Namok is a contemporary Indigenous Australian artist from the Lockhart River community in Far North Queensland. Born in 1960, she is a member of the Umpila and Yintyingka language groups, and her work is deeply influenced by the rich cultural heritage and natural environment of her homeland on the eastern coast of Cape York Peninsula.
Namok emerged as a key figure in the Lockhart River Art Gang, a collective of young artists who gained national recognition in the late 1990s and early 2000s for their vibrant and innovative approach to Aboriginal art.
Her paintings often explore themes of family, community, and the connection between people and the land, rendered in bold, dynamic colors and abstract forms that evoke the landscapes and seascapes of her region.
Through her art, Namok celebrates the stories, traditions, and beauty of her culture while also addressing contemporary issues facing Indigenous communities. Her work has been exhibited widely across Australia and internationally, earning her a reputation as a significant voice in the contemporary Indigenous art scene.
In addition to her artistic achievements, Namok is known for her commitment to cultural preservation and education, using her platform to inspire and mentor younger generations of Indigenous artists.
