Jonathon Malgil

Born in 1982, Jonathon Malgil is an emerging Gija artist whose work stands as a testament to his deep cultural roots and enduring connection to the East Kimberley landscape. As a proud member of the Jangala skin group, Jonathon draws strength and inspiration from his mother, esteemed artist Evelyn Malgil, and his late grandfather, the revered Paddy Bedford. His practice honours their legacy, carrying forward ancestral knowledge while forging a powerful contemporary voice within the Gija art movement.

A foundational member of the Warmun community, Jonathon is not only an artist but also a mentor and leader. He serves on the Board of Directors at Warmun Art Centre and works as the Senior Studio Technician, where he supports emerging artists, fosters intergenerational cultural exchange, and ensures Gija stories continue to be shared and celebrated through art.

Jonathon’s work is deeply grounded in Country, particularly Winupar Springs and Bedford Downs, places of personal and cultural significance for his family. His time working as a wringer on cattle stations has profoundly shaped his creative vision, enabling him to engage with the complex histories of the Kimberley, including confronting events such as the Bedford Downs Massacre. Through painting, he offers a space for reflection, healing, and truth-telling, ensuring these stories are acknowledged and never forgotten.

Primarily working with natural ochres sourced from Gija Country, Jonathon’s practice blends traditional materials with expressive, contemporary forms. His body of work includes bold portraits, layered landscapes, and emotionally resonant compositions that explore identity, survival, spiritual connection, and resilience. Each piece speaks to lived experience, shaped by Country, culture, and history.

Outside the studio, Jonathon is also a skilled horse whisperer; an ability developed during his years on station. This close relationship with animals and the land deeply informs his art, reflecting an understanding of balance, stewardship, and the interconnectedness of all things. His paintings celebrate this unity between nature, spirit, and cultural continuity.

In 2024, Jonathon was named a finalist in the prestigious Lester Prize, marking a significant milestone in his career and affirming the strength and relevance of his voice within the national art landscape. He is currently featured in the Three Wise Men exhibition at Japingka Aboriginal Art Gallery in Perth, WA- an important achievement that continues to build his growing profile.

As Jonathon continues to evolve his practice, his work remains a powerful vehicle for cultural preservation, storytelling, and truth-telling. Each canvas is a living archive carrying the strength of his ancestors, the memory of his people, and a vision for the future of Gija art.

Through unwavering commitment to his craft, his community, and his Country, Jonathon Malgil stands as a cultural custodian, emerging leader, and visionary artist whose work will resonate for generations to come.