TDF Collect is proud to be returning this winter with an exclusive online exhibition showcasing 11 unique pieces by six artists from the Martumili art centre.
Based in Newman, WA, the centre was established by the Martu people living in the communities of Parnpajinya, Jigalong, Parnngurr, Punmu, Kunawarritji, Irrungadji and Warralong of the East Pilbara deserts region.
A mix of new and familiar faces are behind this year’s collection, and whilst each piece is different, many reflect the dramatic geography and personal stories of the artists’ respective ngurra, or home Country.
Nancy Nyanjilpayi (Ngarnjapayi) Chapman is among those to return to our gallery, with her striking piece, ‘Jartinti’. It depicts her ngurra of Jartinti — a large claypan at the southern end of Nyayartakujarra (Lake Dora), a large salt lake surrounded by tali (sand hills) within the Karlamilyi (Rudall River) region.
‘When I was born, my spirit appeared at Jartinti,’ she says. ‘I know all about it, about that water over there, about my home, our grandparent’s Country. We travelled all around as pujiman (traditional, desert dwelling), camping and then setting off again by foot.’
Pauline Williams is also returning to TDF Collect for her third year in a row with ‘Kunawarritji Rockholes’, a vibrant piece painted with muted, earthy tones representing the rockholes surrounding her father’s Country, Kunawarritji (Canning Stock Route Well 33).
Pauline was inspired after visiting the rockholes with a Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa (ranger group) in 2018. The site was originally a spring water and major Martu pujiman camping ground before it was converted into a well along the Canning Stock Route in the early 1900s.
Another headliner from this year’s show is Lorna Linmurra who returns with her colourful acrylic on canvas piece titled ‘Rockhole’, and a new addition, ‘Untitled’. The latter is a multi-coloured dot painting that captures parts of Lorna’s ngurra including the dominant permanent red tali, warta (trees, vegetation), and the various water sources she has camped at with her family.
The exclusively online exhibition is open now until July 5 — so get in quick! You can view the full list of artworks here and email art@thedesignfiles.net to order.
Monday June 17 – Friday July 5
