Kunpungku Kanyintjaku – Holding Strong

EXPLODING COLOUR and brush work are once more the hallmarks of these bright new works from Tjala Arts. This reputable group of artists reveal  the strength of their identities and stories shown through their adept abilities and distinctive marks.

Barbara Moore continues with bold swashes of colour, also introducing a subdued palette which works equally well. Ray Ken’s familiar tali (sandhills) glow with the addition of vibrant pinks. The raw abstraction of Freddy Ken’s kulata (spears) are a delightful return to exhibition, his work has not been shown in the gallery since 2010.
We never cease to be amazed at the reinterpretation in paint of each artist’s story: Tjungkara Ken, Yaritji Young and Tjimpayi Presley each depicting the Seven Sisters, Rini Tiger and  Wawiriya Burton’s variations in landscape, and the roundels of Hector Burton, who was last year awarded the prestigious Red Ochre Award for outstanding achievement and contribution to the arts.

The important tjala (honey ant) story comes to life under the skillful hand of Mick Wikilyiri, and finally, with a mixture of sadness and loss we are honoured to have a wonderful work by the late Kunmanara Williamson, who was integral in the formation of Tjala Arts. Her vivacious energy is deeply missed, but her strength and her legacy hold true as the Tjala artists and their families continue their dedication to story.

Kunpungku Kanyintjaku.