Born in Alice Springs, Arrernte/Western Arrarnta woman Marlene Panankga Rubunjta (b. 1960) is an artist, filmmaker, writer, Aboriginal mental health activist, and spokeswoman for the Yarrenyty Arltere Artists. She currently lives in the Larapinta Valley, Northern Territory. Her work has been acquired for major public and private collections, and exhibited across Australia and internationally.
Marlene Panankga Rubunjta is the daughter of Wenten Rubuntja, an activist and artist who led the movement that assisted in the development of town camps for Aboriginal peoples living in Alice Springs. He was concerned with the future of his people and advocated for improved living conditions; these town camps were some one of the first formally recognised housing associations, and Yarrenyty Arltere continues as one of the oldest urban Aboriginal settlements. In 1975 Marlene's family, the Rubuntjas, along with the Ebatarinjas and the Namatjiras were the original families to settle Yarrenyty Arltere Town Camp, Larapinta Valley.
The Yarrenyty Arltere Artists centre is a significant place in terms self-determination that has a direct focus on cultural survival, identity, livelihood and both individual and community wellbeing. Like most Aboriginal art centres, Yarrenyty Arltere builds self-esteem, confidence and is concerned with and driven by traditional law and culture. Prior to the establishment of the arts program, the community was gripped by poverty driven crime, substance abuse and violence. This was due to the significant lack of access to mainstream services, with a long-term issue of unemployment and marginalisation in Alice Springs. However, through the implementation of the art centre with a localised art program and cultural governance, the centre emerged as a place of safety, healing, respect and belonging while simultaneously relieving financial stress and living issues. Marlene is one of the senior artists of the Yarrenyty Arltere Artists. Following in the footsteps of her father, she creates artworks that refer to mental health awareness in the desert. She is widely known for her distinct usage of bright colour and pattern work that evoke a sense of happiness and humour, often speaking to the importance of finding joy in everyday life. Marlene learnt how to sew during her schooling at Yirra College (Alice Springs), and has been making soft sculptures since 2009. Her sculptures are created from bush-dyed recycled donated blankets and are embellished with wool, cotton and feathers. Inspiration is drawn from the world around her, life in community and her memories. Her soft sculptures are often informed by her watercolour on paper illustrations. For Marlene, sewing is a source of happiness, healing and self-expression.
In 2016 and 2019 Marlene officially opened the Desert Mob Exhibition in Alice Springs, and in 2017 and 2020 she was one of three judges for the Portrait of a Senior Territorian Art Award. In 2016 Marlene was the overall winner for the inaugural Vincent Lingiari Art Award Alice Springs with her self-portrait titled, My Future is in my Hands. Currently she is the president of the Yarrenyty Arltere Housing Association and sits on the Board of Directors for Tangentyere Council.
