Three women artists are showing new paintings featuring different interpretations of one of their most significant songlines – Minyma Maku (Women of the Witchetty Grub) at Everywhen Artspace in October.
Anita Pumani, Betty Campbell and Umatji Tjapalyi are from the South Australian APY community of Mimili and work through that community’s Aboriginal-owned art centre Mimili Maku Arts. Mimili Maku Arts represents several award-winning artists such as the $100,000 Hadley’s Award winner Tuppy Goodwin and Wynne Prize winner Betty Pumani.
The Minyma Maku songline is important to many women in the APY Lands of South Australia.
Here, the three artists depict the songline as it relates to their traditional lands in the 846,000 square kilometre Indigenous Protected area of Antara. A short drive from their community, Antara includes dramatic rock formations, waterholes and is filled with flora and fauna. It is frequently visited and actively cared for by many Mimili artists.
Dreaming, 200 x 200 cm
of her paintings in the exhibition
Granddaughter of one of Mimili’s founding artists, Anita Pumani is one of its brightest rising stars. Here, her work depicts the country and maku trees of Minyma Maku.
Second generation painter Umatji Tjapalyi paints her mother’s country, which forms part of the Antara storyline, and is celebrated in Women’s Ceremony.
Although more senior, Betty Campbell is showing her first exhibition works, focusing on the dance and women’s ceremonies associated with the Songline.
Fresh, detailed, and imaginative the paintings by these talented artists make for a beautiful and dynamic exhibition and one that truly embodies the concept of innovation within tradition.
Minyma Maku runs from October 7th – 25th
Everywhen Artspace, 39 Cook Street, Flinders
Open: Friday – Tuesday 11am – 4pm
P: 03 5989 0496