ESTHER GILES NAMPITJINPA - WANARN TJILPI AND PAINTING PROGRAM

ESTHER GILES NAMPITJINPA
WANARN TJILPI AND PAINTING PROGRAM, 2017
acrylic on canvas
40 x 75 cm
 
PROVENANCE
Warakurna Artists, WA #668-17
Art Leven, Gadigal
 
STORY
This painting is about a Dreamtime story. The story is from Esther's Mother's country- 'Mangari'. The painng is about a huge tunnel that runs through the ground in the Mangari country. The Ngaanyatjarra people call the site 'Kuru Yurltu'- meaning 'Hollow Eye'. This cavern-like tunnel holds a large body of water, and is the the physical representation of a dreamtime story in which a man is speared through the torso as punishment for a crime. This tunnel represents the hole in the man's body after being speared.
 
Warakurna Arsts works closely with Wanarn Aged Care Facility to conduct painting sessions with elderly parents. This program nurtures artists who have arguably contributed largely to one of the most significant art movements in Australia. The joyous communal activity has a myriad of positive benefits such as reliving boredom and frustration. Health staff report that this diversional therapy helps to reduce parent’s drug intake and the old people rejoice in sharing and passing on their important Tjukurrpa with their families who visit them when the workshops are conducted. Warakurna Artists is a positive and powerful example of Aboriginal businesses managed and governed by artists and community elders ensuring the wealth of talent and economic returns are retained in the community.