There is so much beauty in this world and it’s hard to capture it all, but I can try.
The Northern Territory continues to inspire my creativity, fuelled by the stories from my father, the late William King Jungala.
I'm proud to be a Gurindji Waanyi woman living on beautiful Larrakia Country. I've been a practicing contemporary artist for over 18 years, and storytelling is my passion—it's all about connecting through culture and landscape.At the age of 37, I, Sarrita King, call Darwin, N.T. my home, where I spent much of my childhood.
I share my life with my partner, Chad, and our sons, Steele and Grange. Balancing family life with time in the studio has only deepened my desire to share my culture and stories through my art.
The beginning
Born on March 5, 1988, in Adelaide, South Australia, I’m the younger sister of artist Tarisse King and the daughter of the respected indigenous artist, the late William King Jungala.
My artwork, which blends various styles and philosophies, has made me known as an iconic artist in my own right.‘I strive to capture philosophies and elements of life that everyone can relate to—this connection helps viewers understand Aboriginal culture.’ (Sarrita King)
Growing up in the tough Northern Territory, I was deeply connected to the spirit of my people, the Gurindji tribe. I experienced firsthand the land's degradation and beauty, along with its constant changes and challenges.
I started painting at 16, drawing inspiration from the sand hills, lightning, vast skies, and torrential rains. Everything around me was full of potential, and capturing these stunning Australian landscapes on canvas was a challenge I embraced wholeheartedly.
William King Jungala – the influence and legacy
Being the second daughter of the legendary indigenous artist William King meant my sister Tarisse and I were always under the watchful eye of an artistic genius, who could turn even the simplest things into something vibrant and captivating.
When I think about my dad, I say: ‘His openness, life philosophy, and storytelling inspired both of us to follow in his footsteps and carry on his legacy through art.’We often shared deep discussions about art and philosophies.‘I believe every one of my artworks reflects either something inspired by his work (William King) or a story he shared with us.’
Developing a unique style
I see myself as a modern artist—I love blending techniques from both the past and present to create a style that all generations can appreciate. I realize that ‘dotting’ isn’t strictly a traditional indigenous art form, yet I incorporate it alongside other methods to give my contemporary pieces a vibrant, compelling energy.
As someone who’s both articulate and imaginative, I started a Bachelor of Journalism in Adelaide but ultimately returned to my true passion for art. Now, I’m based in Darwin, often traveling into the lands that nurture not just my people but also my talents and dreams.My style is distinctly my own and has gained recognition not just in Australia but also on international stages in Europe, Canada, and beyond.
Exhibiting in Paris
She first began exhibiting her work in Adelaide in 2006. From here it was like an explosion of interest and popularity. Australia, and then the world, couldn’t get enough of her inimitable work.
In 2009 she was asked to exhibit in Paris. It was like a dream come true.
‘To be working and displaying down the hall from greats such as Dali and Picasso was priceless. Also to be so far from home and still see our culture upheld and represented and respected in the Quai Branly museum just made me so happy for Aboriginal art and culture.’
This was the highlight of her career to date and is just one of many exhibitions that has drawn to her, the fame and accolades she so richly deserves.
A modern day icon
Combining the rich traditional culture and methods of indigenous artists with contemporary attitudes and new techniques has seen Sarrita develop a new style of indigenous art. She has striven to remain faithful to the old whilst embracing the new, demonstrating that indigenous art is not just about what has been, but about highlighting the here, the now and the future.
‘The new generation has a duty to share and continue the path set before us by the earlier generations. The motivation to create and share my artwork comes from the desire to involve the world with the rich Australian indigenous heritage.’
