Mandy Batjula Gaykamaŋu is a Gupapuyŋu woman, daughter of esteemed community leader, Helen Milminydjarrk. She lives and works alongside her mother and mother’s sisters, including senior artists Ruth Nalmakarra, Margaret Rarru and Helen Ganalmirriwuy.
In 2017 Margaret Rarru recognised her commitment to her weaving practice and gave permission for her to create works using Rarru’s own iconic black dye, which Batjula now pairs with her own distinctive coil technique.
The daily routine at the camp of Batjula and her mothers is set by the rhythm of harvesting, preparing, dying and weaving bush fibres. She is a young artist, however the precision and detail of her work is of a standard usually attributed to the most senior weavers. In addition to her weaving practice, she also paints Garrawurra clan designs that are inspired by ceremonial body paint designs and sections of the Djan’kawu Sisters story that are synonymous with Garrawurra country, song and law.
Depending on the season and ceremonial obligations Batjula divides her time between her grandmother’s homeland of Laŋarra (Howard Island) and Yurrwi (Milingimbi).
Batjula’s artwork has been featured in numerous group exhibitions nationally and is held in collections including the Berndt Museum, University of Western Australia and the Australian Embassy in Washington DC.