Philinka Dolby

Philinka first began painting in 2005.

Philinka was born in Derby in the West Kimberly of Western Australia.

She is a young mother, a strong Ngarinyin women and her dreaming (ungud), a bush woman from her mother / mother’s side of her grandmother country, from inland of Pantijan up the Gibb River Road.

She is also a Yawuru woman, from surrounding areas around Broome, of her father’s, mother/father side, her grandfather country of eco beach (Yardagarra).

She has been grown-up by Gabriella, and her partner Gordon Barunga Worrorra elder (two of Mowanjum’s most accomplished senior artists) and has always been surrounded by artists at work.

Her early paintings show a strong sense of design with bold shapes and flat areas of colour.

Philinka’s bubbly personality and youthful exuberance add a delightful spark to the Mowamjum Aboriginal Art and Cultural Centre.

Philinka has participated in several workshops including ceramics, print making and fashion and design.

Philinka’s fashion designs from 2024/2025 are being show cased on the runway as part of Country to Couture at the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF).

Philinka also works as part of the Mowanjum team as a sales assistance, admin officer and tour guide for Mowanjum and involved in the Mowanjum Festival for many years.

Philinka is a respected and valuable member of the Mowanjum Arts team and wider community.