Ngura Pulka – Epic Country
3 Jun – 8 Oct 2023
Nyunmiti Burton in the APY Studio Adelaide © APY Art Centre Collective
'Artists out here are known for being brave and adventurous, we push new ideas while still protecting and keeping our Tjukurpa strong for our children and grandchildren.'
About
Ngura Pulka – Epic Country is one of the largest and most significant First Nations community-driven art projects to have ever been developed. All parts of Ngura Pulka are being entirely conceived, created, directed, and determined by Aṉangu people.
Home to 2500 people, the APY Lands support a constellation of Aṉangu communities, including seven key art centres. Here some 500 artists are engaged in the maintenance and transmission of knowledge and culture. With 1-in-5 people in the APY Lands practicing as an artist this is a place where artists are revered, and art is powerful.
The National Gallery is proud to be partnering with Aṉangu artists and leaders on Ngura Pulka, through the APY Art Centre Collective, to amplify and empower their voice and vision at this crucial time in Australia’s collective history.
Works of art shown in Ngura Pulka will speak to ideas connecting to Ngura: of love, longing, knowledge, maintenance, connection, and protection of Aṉangu land. Together they will evidence the power and vitality of Aṉangu art and the strength of Aṉangu culture, community and country.
Curator: Bruce Johnson-McLean, Wierdi | Birri Gubba people, Barbara Jean Humphreys Assistant Director, First Nations Engagement and Head Curator, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art
List of artists
Barbara Moore
Betty Chimey and Raylene Walatinna
Betty Muffler and Maringka Burton
Betty Pumani
Illuwanti Ken
Kulata Tjuta: Tirkilpa
Leah Brady
Margaret Richards
Matjangka Norris
Nellie Coulthard
Nyumiti Burton
Rhoda Tjitayi
Robert Fielding
Sally Scales
Sylvia Ken
Teresa Baker
Tuppy Goodwin
Yaritji Heffernan
Yaritji Young
Zaachariaha Fielding
Collaboratives
APY Men's and Women's Regional Collaborative
Iwantja Arts Womens Collaboration
Iwantja Mens Collaborative
Ken Women's Collab
Mimili Women's Collaborative
Mitakiki Womens Collaborative
Umoona Senior Women's Collaborative
Support
Naomi Kantjuriny and Mona Mitakiki at the Tjala Arts studio, Amata Community APY Lands © Tjala Arts
Help us realise our ambition to work with Aṉangu artists to bring their monumental works to the national stage in an exhibition at the National Gallery in mid-2023.
Ngura Pulka is one of the largest and most significant First Nations community driven art projects to have ever been developed. Your support will help us celebrate and elevate the incredible story of the APY art movement.
