Kulyakartu is a large area in the far north of the Martu homelands, near the Percival Lakes region of Western Australia’s Great Sandy Desert. Kulyakartu is mostly flat grass Country, and is known as a good hunting area. In particular, parnajarrpa (goanna), wild cats, and lunki (witchetty grub) are found in abundance here. In the wantajarra (wet season) the dry lakes in the region fill with water.
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.
Status: Stock Large Banana Weave Basket “I, me, Nyanjilpayi paint this one, Jarntinti Lake. I been born there, mine. I been little girl born there, Jarntinti area. Jarntinti big claypan near Punmu. Tarlpa, Jutupa, Wawulpa, Read more…
Mili I am a Jalanji saltwater woman. Jalanji people have lots of stories about the reef. My painting’s story is about Mili (stinging jellyfish) stirring out on the reef. We were taught at a young Read more…
Kunjuri, shield I am painting kunjuri (shield). Our ancestors used kunjuri and wakay (sword) for fighting to protect themselves from getting hurt. I started watching my grandfather paint when I was 12 years old. He Read more…