Dennis Maminyamanja

b. 30.01.1951
language: Anindilyakwa 
community: Thompsons Bay Outstation

Dennis is an important senior male artist and Arts and Cultural officer, as well as, law and cultural leader from Thompson Bay Outstation, Groote Eylandt.

Predominantly a traditional painter, he depicts sacred stories that pertain to both his mother and grandmother's Yolngu side (via Galiwin'ku), and his father's Anindilyakwa side. Dennis is one of few artists that currently paints in the traditional Groote Eylandt style, detailed motifs floating on a plain, usually black background. He is an important cultural and arts teacher to the next generation.

When Dennis is not working on his art from home or the Men's Art Centre, you will find him singing and dancing, leading important ceremonies across the Groote archipelago and Numbulwar on the mainland. Dennis was raised as a child in Umbukumba community, alongside senior artist Elvis Bara, of whom still work closely together at the art centre. Dennis is also the husband of artist Marcia Mamarika.