Goompi Ugerabah is a proud tribal man who has traced his Aboriginal lineage back to Pialba in Queensland.

As a young teen Goompi was taught culture by the very few people locally who had legitimate knowledge and experience and had a continuous line of cultural teachers before them.

Practising his culture now for over 30 years many stories and cultural practices that connect to the local Gold Coast and Tweed regions.

A decade into his painting journey he was granted permission to tell the stories of his many different teachers including stories of his ancestors through the ancient written language system which is referred to today as “Aboriginal Art”.  

His works are detailed intricate dot patterns and fluid line work, combining neutral landscape tones with the vivid hues of the rainforest and coastal habitat.

Upon European contact and settlement, his two female ancestors from the same region were gathered and placed on the Pialba mission. Both women were later shifted to the Minjungbal tribal lands of the Tweed Heads region in NSW, which became their new home.

The generations that came after these women, were born, and remained in the area continuing to live on Minjungbal tribal land. Goompi was born on the neighbouring Kombumerri tribal land of the Gold Coast, Qld, and has lived between these two tribal lands all his life.

Goompi is inspired by his Aboriginal connection to Kombumerri tribal land where he was born and raised. A proud tribal man, Goompi pays his respects to his mentors and ancestors by continuing to practice culture, but also share his knowledge through his art, dance, singing and most importantly teaching the next generation.

Awarded the prestigious Paddington Art Prize in 2023, Goompi is committed to sharing his culture on canvas which is as much a spiritual practice as a creative expression of storytelling.