Viola Kerinauia
Country
Mantiyupwi
Tribe
Stingray
Dance
Shark & Dingo
Date of Birth
23/09/1965
Biography
Viola Kerinauia was born in 1965 in Darwin Hospital and brings a rich artistic background to Bima Wear. For many years, she worked as an artist at Jilamara Art Centre, where she developed her painting practice with a particular love for working with ochres on Arches paper. Her transition to Bima Wear has opened new creative possibilities—she's happy to be here, loves screenprinting, and is eager to learn how to sew.
Viola is a jokester with an infectious laugh and a deep love for her grandchildren. Her warm presence and humor bring energy to the workshop, making her a beloved member of the Bima Wear community. She comes from a family of strong Tiwi women—her sister Nina Black is a respected elder, weaver, and part of the Wangatunga Strong Women Group, a connection that reflects the intergenerational bonds and shared cultural knowledge that sustain Tiwi women's creative practices.
At Bima Wear, Viola continues to develop her artistic practice across new mediums, bringing her painter's eye to textile design while building skills in screenprinting and garment making. Her enthusiasm for learning and her generous spirit embody the collaborative nature of Bima Wear, where knowledge is shared, skills are passed on, and cultural expression continues to evolve through the hands of Tiwi women.