Artists from the APY Lands region are celebrated for their strong use of colour, dynamic movement and unique way of transforming Tjukurpa (Law), Ngura (Country), and Inma (ceremony) into vibrant articulations on canvas. Songs are often shared by the artists while painting: a way of singing stories to life while augmenting and transferring the power of the Tjukurpa into the work. Drawn to the expansiveness of large canvases, artists explore various themes around Country, capturing the many undulations of Anangu knowledge, creation stories, the landscape and its significant sites, in artworks that are culturally and visually powerful.
In these stunning works artists tell his or her own story, or parts of stories that may pertain to them and their families - each with a unique artistic style. Those stories are often told in different versions across the Lands, and continue beyond them to other regions of Australia. Art centres in the Lands are significant cultural hubs where senior Anangu come together with young and emerging artists to share and continue the stories of their country, keeping them strong and vibrant.
Interact with the images below to explore the artworks and meet the artists
Tjilpi pampangka tjungu munu itingka wakarinyi walytjapitingka. Nyanga paluru Ananguku mulapa. - The old men and women work side by side with their families, their children and grandchildren. This is Anangu way.
...everything here is my memory – my knowledge, I like to paint the memories of my country.
I want to talk to you my friends. Listen to me, open your ears and listen!
‘My mother Milatjari Pumani taught me how to respect Maku Tjukurpa for Mimili. I want to teach my children and grandchildren what Mimili means for Maku Dreaming.’