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Minyipuru (Seven Sisters), Parnngurr area

Parnngurr, now the locale of a remote Aboriginal community, has always been a significant site for the Martu. A permanent water source and a site within the epic jukurrpa (dreamtime) story of the Jakulyukulyu, or Minyipuru (Seven Sisters), historically many families would gather here to meet for important occasions.  Minyipuru tracks the movement of a group of sisters travelling through the desert as they flee from Yurla, a lustful old man. The man chases the wanti (women) all the way from Roebourne on the west coast, right through Martu Country before flying east across Australia. Along the way they stop at many significant sites to camp, wash, dance and gather food, leaving markers in the landscape along the way. The many events and interactions with Yurla chronicled through the story create a culturally rich narrative that is associated with the Pleiades star constellation.

Categories: Purple Emu Art Centre

Name: Cyril Whyoulter

Language: Kartujarra

Biography:

"My mum's father came from Kirriwirri in the North. I can paint that way too. I like pain ng, it's a good way to learn from old people, keep the stories going. Yunkurra (Billy Atkins (dec.)), my nyamu (grandfather), he's guiding me about what I can paint and share. My closest family is the Taylor mob; uncle Muuki, Wokka (dec.), and Ngalangka (Nola). They help me too."

- Cyril Whyoulter
Cyril's mother's and Father's country is Jartuti. He is the grandson of senior Martumili Artists Bugai Whyoulter and Pinyirr (dec.). Cyril grew up in Parnngurr and Punmu communities. He now lives with his wife and children between Perth and Newman.

Cyril first developed an interest in art making when he began colouring in pencil with his grandfather Larry Patterson. An avid experimentalist and prolific painter, he has since mastered many painting techniques and developed his own signature style in which the influence of his grandmother Bugai is evident. Cyril is respected as a learned cultural leader, and is a strong proponent of the importance of intergenerational knowledge transfer.

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