Warning to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The following article contains the name and image of a person who has died.

The Gija community is mourning the loss of artist J. Yalunga, who was struck by a car and killed in Kununurra earlier this week.

Ms Yalunga was the daughter of renowned artist Rover Thomas, a leader of the East Kimberley art movement and one of the first Indigenous artists to be represented at the Venice Biennale in 1990.

She was a cultural knowledge holder, carrying forward her father's stories and traditions.

Warmun Art Centre, where Ms Yalunga worked closely as an artist, expressed deep grief over her passing.

They described her as a "powerful cultural leader" whose impact will be felt for generations.

"There are no words strong enough for this pain, no way to truly express the heartbreak that tore through our community last night," the centre stated.

"Janey was an illuminated spirit, a kind, gentle soul, with a huge heart of gold.

"As the only daughter of the legendary Rover Thomas (RIP), she was not just his legacy, she was ours too."

Ms Yalunga was born in Wyndham, Western Australia, and later moved to Warmun.

She worked as a teacher's aide at Ngalangangpum Community School before beginning her painting career in 2000 at Warmun Art Centre.

Her work depicted her family's Country at Texas Downs Station, local wildlife, and Dreamings from her father's Country, including the significant Goorirr Goorirr Joonba (song cycle) that was central to the Warmun Art Movement.

Ms Yalunga's legacy as a cultural custodian and artist remains significant, and tributes continue to flow in honour of her contributions.