History
Papulankutja was established after Ngaayatjarra people walked out of Warburton mission in the1970s and returned to their land.
Papulankutja Artists was established in 2001 and incorporated in 2004. Papulankutja Artists grew out of the women’s centre at Papulankutja. After many years of working through the women’s centre and then the community hall, Papulankutja Artists opened their own Art Studio in 2009.
Papulankutja Artists is known for its innovative fibre work, as well as their painters and carvers. Fibre Artists from Papulankutja won the 2005 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award with a large woven Toyota.
Papulankutja Artists strive for everybody working together with a strong heart. There themes are about country and include Seven Sisters’ story, Wati Kutjarra, IIlupa and Nintuka.,
Papulankutja Artists are very community focussed. Today, women and men, young people and old people, work together. Papulankutja Artists has reached out to neighbouring communities and started a regional art reach program in 2008. There are now 60 artists at Papulankutja and 20 artists at Jameson working for Papulankutja Artists.
Some of our achievements
Our new Art Centre, new artists
The completion of the new Art Centre building encouraging artists in a safe, comfortable environment. Since the building was completed in 2008, the general happiness and success of the artists has been dramatically increased.
Developing younger artists
During 2009, Papulankutja Artists changed its strategies to encourage and develop younger artists as well as the senior law men of the community. This has involved broadening our marketing strategy and increasing sales. We have developed new industry contacts and sales sourcing smaller ‘boutique’ galleries. These new avenues have proved to be successful providing new artists an income that they have never had access to in the past.
Above images
The hand : represents the 'singing rock' story - with his hands the turkey spirit felt the warmth of fire from a distant place. He then flew to the fire and stole it and brought it to his people.
Two Goannas: Wati Kutjarra, the story of two men who lost themselves when they transformed into goannas. The story of Papulankutja.
The Blue lines : the painting marks from senior artist Tjayanka Woods. The elders are important to us, and we are happy to have them with us. Respecting their knowledge.
Artwork image: Cliff Reid - A senior law man, painting strong for country, passing his knowledge to his sons.
Red and green rust: close up images of rusted cars. A contemporary culture now cemented into the ancient landscape.
Kurturtu witumunu (Heart not hard) Given to laughter, kind and generous.
Painting from the Heart
Everybody working together with a strong heart, Working about country hard, stepping up our paintings, and working gently with government