| Artist | Josina Nyarpingku Pumani |
|---|---|
| Title | Ngura Walytja, Antara |
| Year | 2022 |
| Medium | Acrylic on linen |
| Dimensions | 152 × 122 cm |
| Art Centre | Mimili Maku Arts → |
Out of stock
Josina Nyarpingku Pumani
Josina Nyarpingku Pumani is a young Pitjantjatjara woman, who was born in Mimili. Her mother, the late Ngupulya Pumani and her grandmother Kunmanara (Milatjari) Pumani were two of the founders of Mimili Maku Arts. Both women taught Josina much about cultural leadership, but also about the strong connection with their country of Antara (Maku – witchetty grub – Tjukurpa). Josina’s father is Shannon Kantji, a senior Yankunytjatjara leader. Josina began painting in 2009, and soon after became an art worker at Mimili Maku Arts. She supported the senior artists during this time, learning from her Elders whilst developing skills in canvas preparation and studio support. In 2015 Josina moved to Adelaide to further her education. Since her mother’s passing in 2019 she has moved back to Mimili to build on the cultural leadership displayed by her mother, supporting her local community and reconnecting with her art practice. Josina’s paintings reflect the painting style she learnt from generations of women in her family.
Artist statement
This painting is about Josina Nyarpingku Pumani’s home, family and culture. The Country is Antara, a place not far from Mimili Community. Antara Country belonged to Josina’s grandmother, Milatjari. All women in Josina’s family paint Antara. They hold its stories strong, particularly the Maku Tjukurpa, which is a significant songline for this area. The women from Mimili would go to the waterhole north of Mimili. They would clean it out, then wait for the rain to come. When the waterhole was full with water they would tap on the water’s surface and sing inma for Maku tjuta (enough Maku for everyone). The rock holes, hills and Country are depicted in this painting.