Born in 1945, Ms Yunupingu was the daughter of well-known Yolngu artist Munggurrawuy Yunupingu, but went on to forge her own contemporary style and make a name for herself as one of the most influential Aboriginal artists in Australia.

She won a number of awards throughout her career including a prize at the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards, with her work now featuring in every major public collection in Australia and many overseas.

She lived and worked out of the remote community of Yirrkala for more than two decades.

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In a social media post today, the Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre in Yirrkala, northeast Arnhemland, said they had closed their doors in light of Ms Yunupingu's passing.

"We are so sad to have to close the art centre today to grieve the passing of our beautiful friend Ms. N Yunupingu," the post reads.

"A creator and a gentle humble being. She is surrounded by loving family and friends.

"We wish everyone love and kindness in this very sad time."

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