Phillip Puruntatameri is an emerging artist who has only very recently tried his hand at painting and carving. He joined Jilamara Art Centre in 2020 after moving to Milikapiti from his father’s country, Pirlangimpi (Garden Point). Phillip comes from a long line of great Tiwi artists including Black Joe on his mother’s side and is also related to Paddy Freddy Puruntatameri, who the Jilamara carving shed is named after. 

Before joining the art centre he has worked for many years with TITEB (Tiwi Island Education and Training Board) in Pirlangimpi, doing a range of work including garden maintainence, working in the men’s shed and general labouring. 

Phillip studied at Kamilda College in Darwin and returned to Melville Island not long after and has lived between Pirlangimpi and Milikapiti ever since. He loves fishing, hunting and played football when he was younger. He has played for both Melville Island teams in the Tiwi football league over the years – Muluwurri Magpies and Imalu Tigers.