View Of Country

The community of Ampilatwatja made a conscious decision not to paint ‘altyerr’ dreaming stories, the artists paint their country where those stories sit.

This painting shows the layered landscape of Alyawarr, Central Australia. Knowing your country is an important part of living in a remote community like Ampilatwatja. Knowing when and where to go hunting and gathering, knowing where there is ‘soakage’ (where you can dig for water), travelling with family for ceremonies, and maintaining a connection with the land.

“This is my country, my view of country.”


Margaret  Ngwarraye Long

Name: Margaret Ngwarraye Long


Language: Alyawarre


Community: Ampilatwatja


Biography:

Margaret has lived in Ampilatwatja all of her life. Her sister Jean was an artist in the original Utopian batik movement in the 1980's. The two of them have painted together for many years.