Mark Nodea

Born on January 1970, in Derby, Western Australia, Mark Nodea is a visionary artist, respected Gija Lawman, and cultural leader whose work embodies the spirit of his people.Deeply rooted in the oral histories and traditions of Gija Country, Mark’s bold and evocative paintings serve as both a testament to his heritage and a bridge between the ancient and contemporary worlds.Growing up in the 1970s and 80s, Mark was immersed in a two-way learning experience at the Ngalangangpum School, where he was mentored by some of Warmun’s most esteemed artists, including Queenie McKenzie, Hector Jandany, Jack Britten, and Rover Thomas. This education strengthened his deep cultural knowledge while integrating Western artistic influences, shaping the distinctive style and powerful storytelling evident in his work today.Mark paints the Ngarrgooroon Country of his late mother, artist Nancy Nodea, a vast landscape that extends from Texas Station south to Purnululu. His works capture the sacred landmarks and Dreaming stories of Texas Downs and the Yackanarra people, his grandfather’s country. He also sheds light on the painful history of the Walmajarri people, ensuring that the stories of massacres and survival are not forgotten. Through his art, Mark speaks of resilience,strength, and the unbreakable bond between people and Country.Mark’s artistic talent was nationally recognized in 2001 when he was selected to design a limited-edition silver dollar commemorative coin for the Royal Australian Mint, featuring a dynamic bounding kangaroo. The rarity of this honor underscores the uniqueness of his contribution, as only ten such coins have been released since 1983. His achievements were further celebrated in 2013 when he received the City of Greater Geraldton Award forExcellence at the Mid-West Art Prize.Beyond his artistic achievements, Mark Nodea is a vital cultural leader within the Warmun community. As one of the next generation of Gija Lawmen, he was mentored by the esteemedSenior Gija Elder, Mr. Patrick Mung Mung, the last of his generation. Now, Mark carries forward the responsibility of guiding younger men in Men’s Business and Gija Men’s Law, ensuring the continuity of traditions, values, and cultural integrity.His dedication to education extends beyond his community. Mark is a passionate teacher and mentor, sharing his cultural knowledge and artistic insights with students from MelbourneUniversity’s MA and PhD programs during on-country trips. His lectures provide invaluable perspectives on Gija history, storytelling, and the connection between art and law.