Desmond Marawili

b. 22/06/1982
language: Yolŋu, Anindilyakwa
community: Four Mile Outstation 
dance: Yimarndakuwaba Blue-tongue lizard 

"I am from Yirikala in Arnhem land and grew up in Banyala in my grandfathers Country. I am an artist because my elders showed me for the future. I do carving, painting, everything."

Desmond Marawili is a talented artist, based at Fourmile Outstation, near Umbakumba, on Groote Eylandt. Originally from Yirrkala in Arnhem Land and raised on his grandfather's country, Baniyala.

Desmond specialises in carving, painting, and various artistic forms. Working closely with his family at Fourmile, who are also artists, Desmond's works tell stories from both Groote Eylandt, as well as mainland and is one of the few artists with permission to depict baru (crocodile).