Stories From Our Land

Family Ties: The Next Generation

The artistic talents of Tjungu Palya artists is being carried through by the next generation. The children and grandchildren of established artists Jimmy Baker (dec), Maringka Baker and Keith Stevens, are continuing their tjurrkpa as they emerge as artists in their own right.

However the similarities – and the differences – are interesting to see across families. Grand-daughters to Jimmy Baker, sisters Teresa Baker and Kani Tunkin have been painting consistently for a number of years. Teresa’s daughter Clarise Tunkin, a NATSIAA finalist last year is also featured in this show. Marita Baker, aunt to Teresa and Kani, is one of Jimmy’s three daughters.

Keith Stevens, known for his Piltati (Water Serpent story) features a work in this exhibition in a softer palette that is quite lyrical and topographic in the use of space. His daughter Anyupa Stevens, also a NATSIAA finalist last year, has her own distinct style of loose  brushwork. The overlay of thick line on a dark ground build up these overlapping areas that adds depth and colour.
Helen Curtis is daughter to Angkaliya Curtis also has her own bold, loose style, juxtaposing colours in beautiful contrasts in her style of outlined roundels.

The paintings of elder Maringka Baker and her daughter Elaine Woods are most often marked by a distinct linear sectioning of the canvas;  Featured in this exhibition is Elaine’s daughter Venita Woods, who  continues to show her strength and talent for following her stories with a similar style and exactitude.