Yukultji Napangati
Untitled
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
183 x 244cm
This painting depicts designs associated with Yunala, a rockhole and soakage water site situated among sandhills just to the west of the Kiwirrkura community in Western Australia. During ancestral times a group of women camped at this site after travelling from further west.
Weaver Jack
My Country
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
152 x 152cm
This painting shows all the jila (living waterhole). Nyardanga, Nyirimbin, Mingarda, Milgarlgi, Lungarung, this country (pointing to the top right corner) Grandpa bin leave ‘im for them. This country belongs to old man but he bin pass away and leave ‘im for all the brothers now. Snake place big one.
Loongkoonan
Bush Tucker in Nyikina Country
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
overall 125 x 190cm
Footwalking is the only proper way to learn about country and remember it. That is how I got to know all of the bush tucker and medicine. Nowadays I show young people how to live off the country and how to gather limirri (spinifex wax), which is our traditional glue for fixing stone points to spear shafts, patching malbooloo (coolamons), and making all kinds of things. Nyikina limirri is really strong. It was so well known in the olden days that it was traded all over the Kimberley and the desert.
Susan Wanji Wanji
Hunting for Bush Tucker
Natural pigments on linen
92 x 92cm
When I was little I used to go hunting with the elders, we would hunt for fish, crab, yam, and mud mussels. We made this Tunga (bark basket) from bark and bush string. Then we carried it on our shoulder or put the strap across the top if our head. This made it easier to throw our bush tucker over our shoulder into the Tunga, especially the big yams.
Nyilyari Tjapangati
Untitled
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
153 x 183cm
This painting depicts designs associated with the salt lake site of Wilkinkarra (Lake Mackay). In ancestral times a large group of Tingari men visited this site on their travels towards the east. This design is also consistent with those used during rain making ceremonies.
Angelina George
Hiding Places
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
200 x 160cm
This place and memory come to my mind ...my imagination… hiding places near part of The Ruined City and Limmen Bight Area.
Nola Campbell
Yampala
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
152 x 147cm
Yumpala is a dry lake near Patjarr. A Ngintaka man (a large goanna, Perentie) created this lake bed with a huge swish of his tail. The people used to walk kapitu-kapitu (rockhole to rockhole), Tjitu rockhole, then Wyun, Kunungkurra, Kurrpulu (where there are two rockholes), Wirtut and Pulratjarra.
Wakartu Cory Surprise
Mimpi
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
120 x 120cm
This is jilji (sandhills) all around, my jajja (grandmother) been pass away here in this country. It’s great country all around here.
George Tjungurrayi
Untitled
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
244 x 183cm
The design in this painting depicts the claypan site of Kirrimalunya, north of Wilkinkarra (Lake Mackay). In ancestral times two Ngangkari (Aboriginal healers) were camped at this site. The two were only young boys but often this healing power is given to Ngangkaris by the time they are young teenagers.
Ian W. Abdulla
This whiteman came into the church
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
100 x 140cm
What I paint is from my memories and what happened growing up in the Riverland. I want people to know that it was hard growing up but there were some good times too. I tell stories to go with my paintings so other people can know about my life and how we all lived.
Jan Billycan
Kirriwirri
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
106 x 121cm
This is the birth place of my father’s clan. Our clan is also named Kirriwirri, and call each individual members of this clan Kirriwirri. There is a big warla (mud flat) at this place. This is what this painting is about.
Clifton Mack
Jarman Lighthouse
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
135 x 91cm
Jarman Island is where an old historical lighthouse is that guided the old ships through small channels to the old Cossack Port. This area is a place that we all go fishing along the Cossack creeks where you can look out and see the lighthouse.
Lucky Morton Kngwarrey
Country
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
90 x 210cm
All of Lucky’s Dreamtime stories belong to her country, Ngkwarlerlanem and Arnkawenyerr. Lucky paints designs that represent all of her Dreamtime stories. The stories that are featured in this painting include Mpwelarr, (Rainbow) Ilyarn and Ilyarnayt, Tharrkarr (sweet Honey Grevillea), Yerramp (Honey ant) and also a variety of Alpeyt (flowers).
Angelina Pwerle
Bush Plum
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
152 x 152cm
Angelina’s work is predominantly concerned with representations of the Bush Plum Dreaming. This subject matter has been given varied forms of expression, but is most often characterised by intense areas of fine dotting using a clear and refined colour palette.
Richard Dhaymutha
Same Fella
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
61 x 61cm
This painting is about Indigenous and Non Indigenous people coming together and living happy together. We all come in on different paths and see different colours, but we are all the same fella.
Mabel Juli
Garnginy Ngarranggarni
Natural pigments on canvas
120 x 180cm
At Yariny south of Warmun, Garnginy the moon fell in love with Daawul the black-headed python but the old people said ‘No, she’s your mother-in-law; you must marry one of Daawul’s daughters’. Garnginy turned into a hill cursing everyone that they would all die, but he would come to life every month.
Angkaliya Curtis
Cave Hill
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
118 x 198cm
Ngayuku ngura (my country) Cave Hill. Animal tjuta nyinanyi kapiku pitjanyi (there are many animals here coming for water). This desert country is full of life.
Rosie Tasman Napurulla
Ngurlu (Seed Dreaming)
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
180 x 60cm
This Dreaming tells about the special seeds we use for grinding and making powder. The women add water to make a special damper. They put the damper in the coals for cooking. There are many different seeds we collect.
Katjarra Butler
Marapirnti
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
210 x 160cm
In the Dreaming Times all of the minyma (women) were travelling a long way as they headed towards Tjukurla, on an epic journey known as Tingari. They travelled from Kiwirrkurra all the way to Tjukurla and the lake to the north, collecting bush tucker and performing Inma (women’s ceremonies) as they went. They stopped to camp at the many rock holes where they could dig for fresh water. Often they had babies and children with them.
Ginger Wikilyiri
Wati Ngintaka
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
189 x 120cm
Wati Ngintaka Tjukurpa (the creation story for the perentie man). He stole the grinding stone and hid it in his tail. This song line travels from Walatina to Arran in Western Australia.
Mary Teresa Tailor
Camera Pool
Natural pigments on canvas
76 x 76cm
This work is associated with the artist’s country of Camera Pool, just north of Oombulgurri (Forrest River). In this painting there are three Wandjinas and traditional artefacts such as stone axes, boomerangs, a spear thrower and baby cradle can be seen alongside rondels representing stone country.
Nellie Stewart
Irrunytju
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
202 x 188cm
This is Irrunytju. Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa (the creation story of the Two Sisters). The women travelled singing the country from the ocean to the desert.
Dan Jones
Utopia Loading Truck
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
50 x 75cm
This loading truck belongs to Utopia - brings mail, food, from Alice Springs. Sometimes I pay little bit for ride to Alice Springs - bit like bush bus - sit on bench seat in the back - bumpy ride - stop along way for break - driver, he’s family.
Johnny Yungut Tjupurrula
Untitled
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
122 x 122cm
This painting depicts designs associated with Tingari ceremonies at Wilkinkarra (Lake Mackay). In ancestral times a large group of Tingari men came to this site carrying the Fire Dreaming. Once the fire was lit at Wilkinkarra it quickly became out of control and chased the men west towards Kiwirrkura.
Linda Syddick Napaltjarri
The Windmill
Synthetic polymer paint on Belgian linen
121 x 121cm
When Linda was a young girl she and her family walked in from the desert to Haasts Bluff. On the way, they stopped next to a windmill to camp. With them was Shorty Lungkata, he told the group that there was no problem with the water there as it was safe and that the windmill was a white man thing.
Barney Ellaga
Sugar Bag
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
198 x 100cm
This painting is Honey Bees travelling to Cox River where my country is.
Wawiriya Burton
Ngayuku ngura
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
198 x 122cm
This tjukurpa (story) is from her father’s country near Pipalyatjara, west of Amata. The story depicts minyma minkiri tjuta, meaning many small female mammals. These minkiri are pregnant and give birth to many babies. The minkiri then journey to the surrounding rock holes (which appear as the circular shapes, joined by lines), in search of food and water to feed their young.
Dickie Minyintiri
Malukutjina
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
155 x 185cm
This tjukurpa (story) is from the area of Dickie’s ngura (birthplace). Malu (red kangaroo) stories are men’s stories and hunting stories. Malu drink from the kapi tjukula (waterholes) in Dickie’s country. He is responsible for looking after this country and the Creation Beings from this place. Dickie, being a very senior law man, carries the tjukurpa of these sacred beings, including the inma, which he sings as he paints.
Tiger Palpatja
Piltati Tjukurpa
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
199 x 152cm
Piltati Tjukurpa (this is the creation story for Piltati). Wati wanampi kutjara kuri kutjara (the two serpent men from the dreamtime are here with their two wives).
Mayapu Elsie Thomas
Parrkaparrka (Desert Oak)
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
30 x 90cm
The story of making Koompulan. Women came to water hole, Kilki, and made koompulan (urine). Nobody wanted to marry the women because they didn’t like them so they made the water salty so you can’t drink it. This is my country, Ngupawarlu.
Sally Gabori
Thundi
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
197 x 340cm
This is the big river at Thundi my father’s country on Bentinck Island.
Harry Wedge
Wiradjuri Spirit Man
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
91 x 91cm
This painting is from when I was living on the mission. We didn’t have cars so we used horses and carts. My dog is with me: there were always lots of dogs. I worked as a drover and fruit picker. I am on my way to work and everyone has come out to say good morning.
Dinni Kunoth Kemarre
Camel Camp Church
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
112 x 151cm
This painting shows Camel Camp life: the people, dogs, prams, cars - everything. Music is played often from the church and visitors to Camel Camp can hear it from a distance transmitted from the amplifier. Along with my sons, Simon and Patrick, we all play music at the church.
Judy Mengil
Binjin to Kumburumba
Natural pigments on canvas
180 x 150cm
My mother told me all these stories and I have been listening to her on a tape telling stories about the country. This painting is about the red swampy ground around Kumburumba when the wet season flood waters flowed from Binjin Spring, it pushed all that red water back to Kumburumba country. That’s a little bit
of the story.
Carol Maayatja Golding
Tjukurla Pirni
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
152 x 76cm
My father was born at Tjukurla Pirni. I love this place as you can always get water. Many Tjurlpu (birds) used to live there. They’d fly around country collecting kampurarrpa (bush raisins). One day something happened and they finished. Perhaps the water ran out? You might still see them somewhere, but I can’t tell
you anymore.
Timothy Cook
Kulama
Natural pigments on linen
120 x 200cm
When a gold ring forms around the moon during the final stages of the wet season Japara the moon man is performing Kulama. Inside this ring a multitude of people sing and dance Kulama songs. This is the time to prepare for Kulama, the annual celebration of life. Large concentric circles often appear as the main element of contemporary Tiwi paintings, representing the Kulama circle or ceremonial dancing ground. They are icons of Tiwi spiritual belief.
Minnie Lumai
Yab-yab-gnerni-gnim
Natural pigments on canvas
125 x 130cm
This painting tells a key dreaming story for the Miriwoong and Gadjerriwoong people who are the traditional owners of the country around Kununurra and to the east. In the painting a freshwater spring flows into a creek called Gilijing that empties into the Keep River.
Harry Tjutjuna
Wanka: Spider
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
130 x 180cm
This is a big spider man. Wati paluru Ngankari, (a male solo show at Vivien Anderson Gallery in Melbourne.healer, traditional doctor). He is a powerful man. When rain comes he hides in his nest. He is a clever man. At night time he changes colour. His name is Wanka (Spider). That’s the story. Minyma wanka
tjuta. Around him are all the women and children for this man.
I am the spider man, Ngankari (traditional healer, medicine man).
Sandra Hill
White Goods
Oil on plywood
6 panels 30 x 30cm each
These six pieces refer to the governments attempts to superimpose ‘white’ domestic values over South-West Nyoongar culture and onto Aboriginal women in the late 1950’s and 60’s.
The women, in particular, were expected to disregard 50,000 years of Indigenous learning take on the ‘white’ ways as they relate to domestic situations. The paintings individually, refer to the difficult task Aboriginal women had when faced with alien domestic tools and machinery that were almost taken for granted in most ‘white’ households during that era.
Nancy McDinny
Honeybee Warjili at sunset
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
59 x 91cm
Honeybee (Warjili) at sunset.
The country is Likarrayanyida at the Costello Jump Up. The honey bee produces bush honey, the honey is found underneath the rocks and is dug out.
Old people could tell if it was male, by the length of wax on the tree. The male bee makes the best honey for eating. The honey bee lives in the rocks and trees.
The white flower on the Messemate and Coolibah tree tells that the honey is ready.
Milatjari Pumani
Antara
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
152 x 92cm
This painting is about my home, family and culture. The land is Antara, a place not far from Mimili Community.
Antara country belonged to my uncle. The Maku Tjukurpa (witchetty grub songline) is a significant Tjukurpa from Mimili, this place is where we go for bush tucker.
Lydia Balbal
Wartamartu
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
154 x 201cm
Kalyu (water) running after big rain make him warla (mudflat) proper wet and that water under come up.
Lydia has depicted the mudflats and jinti (underground creek systems) of her Great Sandy Desert country.
Amy Napurulla
Mount Nancy Camp - My House
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
40 x 55cm
This painting is Mount Nancy. It’s my house. I stop here when I’m in town!
Niningka Lewis
Ara irititja Ernabella-la (Olden days in Ernabella)
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
142 x 116cm
Niningka paints about the early days of the Ernabella Mission when Anangu still lived in a wiltja (shelter) in their family groups. This painting includes the figure of senior Pitjantjatjara law man Dickie Minyintiri, from his days herding sheep through Ernabella.
Tali Tali Pompey
Para - Desert Gum
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
200 x 183cm
Para - gum trees, white ones. Tali Tali describes this expressive painting in a single phrase.
Tjungkara Ken
Ngayuku ngura
Synthetic polymer paint on linen
198 x 153cm
In this painting Tjungkara has depicted her country which is the country surrounding the Rocket Bore Homelands in the Anangu Pitjatjantjara Yankunytjatjara lands of South Australia. Tjukara’s older brother, Malya Mick, is the traditional owner for this country. The different colours and designs represent variations in the landscape.
Alison Inkamala
Yarrenyty - Arltere
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
30 x 30cm
This painting is all the houses at Larapinta Valley Town Camp, or Yarrenyty-Arltere.
Mr Donegan
Papa Tjukurpa, Pukara
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
180 x 200cm
Telstra Award Winner and General Painting Category Winner
This painting is of two stories, Papa Tjukurpa and Pukara.
Papa Tjukurpa (Dingo Dreaming) My Father’s country rock hole is called Dulu. At this place, there are lots of dingo’s living there, digging up the water and hunting at Pilantjara rockhole in the country area of Dulu.
Pukara is Mr Donegan’s Grandfather’s country. It is a story about a sacred men’s site in Western Australia. It is a water snake Dreaming story.