Artist | Anita Pumani |
---|---|
Title | Antara - Maku Dreaming |
Year | 2022 |
Medium | Acrylic on linen |
Dimensions | 152 × 122 cm |
Art Centre | Mimili Maku Arts → |
Out of stock
Anita Pumani
Anita Pumani was born in Indulkana on the APY Lands in South Australia. She grew up in Mimili and attended school in Adelaide. As the oldest daughter to Teresa Mula and Ken Pumani, both senior cultural leaders in Mimili, she learnt about the importance of Tjukurpa from an early age. Her mother Teresa is one of Mimili Maku’s senior painters, and one of seven sisters. Anita is one of four sisters, and now has three daughters on her own. Growing up in such a strong line of women, Anita proudly shares women’s stories in her paintings. She often references Antara, an important women’s site close to Mimili community, and speaks about the Maku (witchetty grub) Tjukurpa. She has collaborated with her mother and her sisters on several works speaking about the Seven Sisters Story, which is deeply engrained in her family line.
Artist statement
This painting is about Antara, a site close to Mimili Community that is very important to my family. Kungka Kutjara ananyi tjukula. A long time ago two women went apu katu, to the hill around Antara. They were singing inma (song) and hittng the rock with a punu (stick). Maku tjuta (a lot of witchetty grubs) came from the tree we call Maku Ilykuwara (Witchetty Bush). When we go out to Antara and sing inma, we collect maku tjuta and other bush tucker. My aunty Milatjari Pumani taught me how to respect Maku Tjurkurpa and keep it for Mimili Community. I also teach my daughters the importance of Maku Tjurkurpa. I am proud to be custodian of that Country.