Leah Umbagai
Art centre
Born
1974, North-West Kimberly
Lives and works
Mowanjum community
A Woddorddaa woman from the north-west Kimberley, Leah’s passion for art comes from and is influenced by her elders. Her work reflects relationships, clan, country, and passion for teaching and sharing. Working with youth, she encourages them to live on country and respect culture, language, and heritage.
“I dream when I am in my country. In my dreams my grandfather and grandmother give me songs and dances. I believe the spirits show you things through dreams. I often paint what I dream.”
In addition to her art practice, Leah is a respected senior cultural advisor for the Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation and contributed extensively to the development and content of the Mowanjum Museum at the Art and Cultural Centre.
Having worked in acrylic and ochres for many years Leah is now exploring etching as part of her practice.