Naminapu Maymuru-White began to paint at the age of 12, taught by her uncle Narritjin Maymuru, as well as by her own father, Nänyin Maymuru. Both men were highly celebrated artists, whose works hang in many Australian and international museums. As one of the first Yolŋu women to be taught to paint miny’tji, she was part of the historic adaptations by the Elders of the Yolŋu in the last forty years. This includes the revelation of previously restricted designs in pursuit of justice in the Land Rights struggle (for example The Bark Petition and The Yirrkala Church Panels). Her works are of historic and continuing significance as a Maŋgalili clan member and contemporary artist in her own right.

With numerous solo and important group projects behind her, Nami has recently accelerated her rate of innovation. The early introduction of printmaking into her practice made a strong influence on the visual, textural and overall compositional nature of her works, setting her apart from artists only working in the strict canon of dhuyu (sacred) bark painting. Her compositions have recently become even more fluid and unrestrained and this distinguishes her as unique amongst other Yolŋu artists.

Naminapu is one of the most highly regarded artists working today in Australia. At the age of 72 her works are included in prominent collections and important exhibitions in Australia and overseas. Recent collections and exhibitions include, the upcoming National Gallery of Australia Indigenous Triennale, curated by Tony Albert (2025); Stranieri Ovunque–Foreigners Everywhere in the 60th La Biennale di Venezia (2024); acquisition by Kluge-Ruhe Collection for inclusion in Madayin- eighty years of bark painting from Yirrkala, a major US touring exhibition (2022); National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) where the work was shown in a major survey of female bark painters from North East Arnhemland, Bark Ladies, NGV International (2022); Kerry Stokes Collection of significant Larrakitj (2001-ongoing); and the RESONANCES exhibition at Fondation Opale, Switzerland (2020).