Biography

Loretta Davis Maraminy was born and raised in the community of Gochan Jiny Jirra (Caddell), approximately 40 kilometres south-east of Maningrida, on the western bank of the Cadde River. As a child, she was nurtured by the presence of elders and the artistic practices that punctuated daily life. She watched closely as artists such as England Banggala and Terry Ngamandara worked, their gestures, stories and knowledge profoundly influencing her perspective.
In 2022, Loretta embarked on her own artistic journey, specialising in the sculpture and painting of mimih, the slender spirits associated with rocky regions. She received official permission from her father's family, originally from the Namokardabu outstation, to represent and sculpt these spirits. 

Loretta's mimih are distinguished by their expressive presence and unique energy. The bold lines and assertive patterns she uses give her works an immediately recognisable visual identity, while respecting the aesthetic codes passed down by the elders. Through her practice, Loretta celebrates the Gun-nartpa cultural heritage and asserts her place among the new generation of artists from the centre of Arnhem Land. Her sculptures reflect a deep attachment to her country, its ancestral stories and the spirits that inhabit it, while opening up a sensitive dialogue with contemporary audiences.