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Status: Stock

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Kalyu (Water)

Kalyu (water) 2014 Limited edition (200) Hahnemuhler 308 Photorag 100% cotton archival rag printed on epson 11880 with Ultachrome pigment inks.

“Forever that uranium belongs to that place, underground. But its poison when you dig it up – when it gets exposed. Like a mother carrying a baby…. we are carrying the land, we are that close. This is the reason we hold our children close, our water close, our food, but mainly our waters. We look after our water, our main one Karlamilyi…. One way, leave it in the ground forever. Old people are less but we have more young people being born. We have to look after them. We are talking up for country.”  – Wokka Taylor

This artwork is a limited edition (200) print, a reproduction of the original painting Kalyu 2014. The painting was first exhibited at the museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in Sydney in the exhibition Martu Art from the far Western Desert, Martumili Artist and MCA in October 2014. The artwork was subsequently purchased by the MCA. The proceeds from the sale of this print will be used for the Martu Parnngurr Kintyre uranium  mine. The artists have licensed their work for this purpose. 

This painting was created by senior Martu artist in Parnngurr, work commenced in April 2014 and the painting was completed in June 2014. The painting depict the Martu Native Title determination area in its entirety. While the painting references many aspects of Martu land management and ecological systems the focus of the painting is Kalyu (water).

Buried deep below the obvious painted surface and the visible ground surface of the Martu desert lies a vast water table beyond the comprehension of the non Martu viewer. This visual depiction of the water table has been buried deep by layers of paint and story and vegetation but it is there.

Kalyu (water) and the many forms of its existence are essential to life in the desert. This painting confirms these artists understanding of this country and their obligation to look after it. They are responsible for its wellbeing, just as their ancestors were and their descendants will be.

The painting was created by: Muuki Taylor, Wokka Taylor, Karnu Nancy Taylor, Ngalangka Nola Taylor, Ngamaru Bidu, Kumpaya Girgirba, Jakayu Biljabu, Nolene Girgirba