Tjukurpa, Ngura, Waltja – Culture, Country, Family

The translation of law and country as it is passed on in family groups has been fostered by the role art centres have played in providing opportunity for such preservation and continuation of culture. The stories and stylistic tendencies shared between artists, is a joy to behold, including the many and varied talents of the Ken family from Amata in the APY Lands.

The story of the tjala honey ant, binds this group as can be seen in the work of elder Mick Wikilyiri whose idea founded this family exhibition. Five of Mick and Paniny Ken’s daughters have been forging their own interpretations of law and story: Yaritji Young, Sandra and Tjungkara Ken often depict the stellular Seven Sisters, while Freda Brady and Maringka Tunkin their version of Ngura, country. Sylvia Ken, daughter of artists Iluwanti and Brenten Ken, is another skillful advocate of the Seven Sisters story.