MANTANGURU – From the Sand opened up to a warm reception at Artitja Fine Art Gallery. Works from Anangu people in north west of South Australia showcased the culture and artistry from the APY lands. The Pukatja people form the biggest Aboriginal community in these lands, with a population of around 600 people. They have a proud history including being home to the oldest continuously running independent Anangu-led First Nations art centre, Ernabella Arts.
Atipalku Intjalki 121x99cm Tjukurpa Mulayangu ART50123AI
In a world where 200 Aboriginal languages have been reduced to only 12 that are spoken today, this corner of the world holds 2 of those languages. Not to try and make this about some white guy, but the preservation of this language is largely credited to Charles Duguid, who established the mission there but didn’t force the use of the English language. The 41 pieces in this exhibition tell stories from the Pitjantjatjara language, amassing a stunning collection of murals that are designed to be displayed either landscape or portrait.
Freddy Ken 76x76cm Kulata Tjuta – many Spears ART47523FK
From the moment I walked in, I was struck by a piece titled Tjukula (Waterholes) by Makinti Minutjukur. A hypnotic flow of purple and blue hues had me more and more mesmerised the longer I stared at it. Another standout piece was Tjitji Tjuta Walytjatjara which featured brilliant use of contrasting colours. Painted by Imiyari (Yilpi) Adamson, who was one of the artists who made it over to Walyelup for the opening. The image on the website doesn’t do it justice; you have to see this one in person.
Mantanguru – From the Sand exhibition is showing at the Artitja Fine Art Gallery from March 8 to April 1.