“Niminjarra is the two brothers transforming into a snake so they can go back home to Ngayartakujarra (Lake Dora). They were in training for ceremony, those two brothers, but they were kept too long and nobody was there to release them. They waited then they decided to transform into snakes to travel back to where they came from, because their mother was waiting for them. This is Jukurrpa (Dreaming story)”
– Desmond Taylor
Name: Desmond Taylor
Language: Manyjilyjarra, Warnman
Community: Parnngurr
Biography:
"I'm Desmond Taylor. I'm a Purungu man. My Country is Karlamilyi. Who taught me how to paint? My father taught me, my mother. The story I paint is about Karlamilyi, the Country where my ancestors lived and walked and gathered food.
My favourite thing to do outside of painting is go looking for bush tucker, bush medicine, going hunting, collecting firewood, getting back in touch with the Country. I feel pukurlpa (happy), I feel happy when I paint. It brings happiness, connection, family. It keeps the stories alive to have that connection to ngurra (home Country, camp), Country."
- Desmond Taylor
Desmond Taylor was born in 1964 near the Oakover River. His family moved into Jigalong when he was still a baby, among the last Martu families to transition from a traditional desert lifestyle. Desmond attended school in Nullagine and later Perth and has worked professionally as a translator and educator.
Desmond is an accomplished artist who, in recent years, has collaborated with artist Helen Seiver and textile practitioner Mariaan Pugh to produce the critically acclaimed exhibitions another way and Jila Kujarra: Two Snakes Dreaming. His artwork centres around Karlamilyi (Rudall River) and particularly the Nyayartakujarra (Ngayarta Kujarra, Lake Dora) Dreaming. Through his painting, Desmond maintains a powerful connection to Country and shares stories that continue to guide future generations.
Niminjarra “Niminjarra is the two brothers transforming into a snake so they can go back home to Ngayartakujarra (Lake Dora). They were in training for ceremony, those two brothers, but they were kept too long Read more…
Niminjarra (home camp) “Niminjarra is the two brothers transforming into a snake so they can go back home to Ngayartakujarra (Lake Dora). They were in training for ceremony, those two brothers, but they were kept Read more…
