Jila Kaja (all the snakes) The Western Desert term jila is used interchangeably to describe springs considered to be ‘living’ waters and snakes, both of which play a central role in Martu culture and Jukurrpa (Dreaming). During the pujiman (traditional, desert dwelling) period, knowledge of water sources was critical for Read more…
Untitled “I was learning about painting from school and from watching Bamba’s [Corban Clause Williams] mob painting. Bamba is my little brother. I like a painting about Country, painting my grandfather’s Country- Kaalpa (Kalypa, Canning Stock Route Well 23). I also like to go hunting with my family.” – Robina Clause Robina is part Read more…
Untitled “The old people, they sit down and paint and tell stories of the old days, and we listen and learn.” – Corban Clause Williams Transfer of cultural knowledge through visual arts is an important way for Martu artists to keep their culture strong. Younger Martu artists typically begin painting Read more…
Untitled “I’m really happy when I’m painting my Country. I’m proud as I follow my Country, I’m holding on to my Country. That’s my water in the East. I’m painting my Country. It’s not someone else’s, it’s my Country. I’m looking after my Country. I’m showing my family the Country. Read more…
Kulyakartu “Long time ago I been there. It is my grandmothers, grandfathers, fathers, mothers country, Kulyakartu. I am painting this particular place it keeps me connected, sense of belonging. Tell my grandmothers story through my art. Where she was born, I’m apart of that. It makes me feel proud painting. Most Read more…
Kulyakartu “My Country, Kulyakartu. I grew up there, from little boy to big boy grew up there.” – Muuki Taylor This painting depicts Kulyakartu, Muuki’s ngurra (home Country, camp). Kulyakartu is located in the far north of the Martu homelands, near the Percival Lakes region of Western Australia’s Great Sandy Desert. Read more…
Kulyakartu “Long time ago I been there. It is my grandmothers, grandfathers, fathers, mothers country, Kulyakartu. I am painting this particular place it keeps me connected, sense of belonging. Tell my grandmothers story through my art. Where she was born, I’m apart of that. It makes me feel proud painting. Most Read more…
Kulyakartu “Long time ago I been there. It is my grandmothers, grandfathers, fathers, mothers country, Kulyakartu. I am painting this particular place it keeps me connected, sense of belonging. Tell my grandmothers story through my art. Where she was born, I’m apart of that. It makes me feel proud painting. Most Read more…
Wantili (Warntili, Canning Stock Route Well 25) “Bugai always tells about Wantili (Warntili, Canning Stock Route Well 25) because she grew up around Wantili. Her family would travel between Wantili, Kaalpa, Juntu-juntu, Raarki, and Wuranu Wells along the Canning Stock Route. She paints around Wantili. She saw whitefellas there for Read more…
Untitled “The old people, they sit down and paint and tell stories of the old days, and we listen and learn.” – Corban Clause Williams Transfer of cultural knowledge through visual arts is an important way for Martu artists to keep their culture strong. Younger Martu artists typically begin painting Read more…