Gulumbu Yunupingu (c1945-2012)

Gulumbu Yunupingu (c.1945-2012), also known as Star Lady, was a significant Yolŋu artist from Yirrkarla in the Northern Territory. An Australian Aboriginal artist and women's leader from the Yolngu people, she was one of the most prolific artists from the region of the Northern Territory. She was a member of the Gumatj and sister of Aboriginal leader Galarrwuy Yunupingu.

Yunupiŋu’s father, the esteemed Gumatj leader, activist and artist, Munggurrawuy Yunupiŋu, told her stories about the two constellations. Yunupiŋu explained “some stars (gan’yu) are special to Yolngu”. As she looks at stars, Yunupiŋu reflected on the universe, “all around, every tribe, every colour. The link between the people on earth and stars in the sky – it’s real.”