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Artist Carlene Thompson
Title Carlene’s Mamu (Spirit Figures)
Year 2022
Medium

Acrylic on linen

Dimensions 84 × 170 cm
Art Centre Ernabella Arts →

Out of stock

Carlene Thompson

Carlene Thompson creates innovative work that alludes to her father’s Country, Kanpi, and the creation being kalaya (emu). Her works encompass the cultural richness that Carlene possesses as a proud Pitjantjatjara/Yankunytjatjara woman. The intergenerational transfer of cultural knowledge is a priority for Carlene, particularly the passing of knowledge down to her daughters, and her artwork often features families. While her stoneware ceramics have gained her widespread recognition, more recently, Carlene has expanded her art practice to include paintings that reflect her Country and culture.

Artist statement

Mamu are traditionally depicted as bad spirits or monsters in traditional Pitjantjatjara stories, particularly those told to children by adults in order to scare them and thus keep them close by and safe. Carlene Thompson’s depiction of mamu has been told to her by her grandfather and grandmother. These mamu are the spirits of the ancestors who appear in the bush at night-time.