Marshall Jangala Robertson

Marshall’s community is Lajamanu, a very remote community about half way between Alice Springs and Darwin in the Northern Territory. Population around 900 people. Born in Darwin and schooled in Alice Springs, Marshall currently lives in Adelaide with his wife, Justinna Sims and their children. Justinna is herself an accomplished artist.Marshall is from a family of highly acclaimed and collectable artists. He learned his stories from his father Jimmy Jampijinpa Robertson, one of the founding artists of the Warnayaka Art Centre in Lajamanu.

Marshall learnt to paint at a young age, surrounded by family. His mother, Denise Napangardi Tasman was also an artist. Marshall’s works often depict seed and water dreaming. They are a representation of a strong connection to country, passed down from his father and grandfather. Storytelling and painting is an important way to maintain culture for generations.

Marshall paints several stories, all relating to land community and survival. The bush tomato is a food source popular among central desert people. It ripens on the bushes in wintertime and can be eaten straight from the plant. Bush tomatoes are sweet and full of goodness.