Warlukurlangu Artists is an Aboriginal-owned, community-based Art Centre representing over 400 artists in Yuendumu and Nyirripi communities. One of the longest running Aboriginal-owned art centres in Central Australia, the art centre plays a vital role in community life and providing a stronghold for Walpiri culture.

Refreshing the visual identity of Warlukurlangu Artists enabled a reflection of Warlpiri life and the importance and strength that painting holds for history, county and knowledge. Yet it was also about positioning Warlu as a contemporary Aboriginal Art Centre and promoting Warlpiri culture both nationally and internationally. The Warlpiri artists, their dreamings, visual stories, and iconography largely informed the collaborative process of transitioning visual identity to a dynamic visual communication design.

Drawing on preliminary concepts created at the Art Centre, hand-made signage around the Yuendumu community informed the development of the typeface, reflecting the importance of place, and of Warlpiri country.

The logo was updated to represent the contemporary colour palette of many Warlpiri artists, but still reflect the importance of ‘yankirri Jukurrpa’ (emu Dreaming). In contemporary Warlpiri paintings, traditional iconography can be used to represent the Jukurrpa, associated sites, and other elements. ‘Yankirri’ are usually represented by arrow-like shapes depicting their ‘wirliya’ (footprints) as they walk around.

The iconography and vibrant colours that are so distinct of Warlu artists are represented throughout the brand materials in dynamic and fluid combinations.