curatorial statement - Tjukurpa Kunpu
Marli Macumba

Tjukurpa is everything to us - it’s not just a word it’s our connection. If we don’t have our Tjukurpa we got nothing. That’s what makes us Strong. This is what Tjukurpa Kunpu is an expression of; Strong and Resilient Aboriginal women connected to our Tjukurpa and Country. Many of the women in this show have been an inspiration to me personally as Powerful Matriarchs and Cultural Advisors. All the women have their own presence, and you feel that with each one when you see them, are with them or look at their artworks. Some are Healers. Some are younger ones still establishing themselves. All Are Strong.

As Aboriginal women we aren’t just artists but many things to many people. Tjukurpa Kunpu came about and was possible because of the many roles and community connections I have; from working at the Housing Trust to being an Artist, Student, Daughter, Mother, and an Everything Woman. This exhibition is here to show we aren’t isolated people just living regionally but are people who hold and pass down our knowledge, have skill, and are deeply connected. That’s Our Strength. We want our Tjukurpa and region to be seen and not forgotten.

Tjukurpa is personal and deeply connected to each artist on display here. The viewer doesn’t have to understand or know every Tjukurpa being told through the works, that belongs to that person, but if you sit with the Strength and Culture in each work you can start to see, feel and hear it. This experience is the connection us Mob feel with Tjukurpa, each other, and Country. If you take away anything from Tjukurpa Kunpu, know us women are Proud of our culture and heritage. I’m Proud of my Mob; the women who have trusted me to share their work, and the Tjukurpa Kunpu on display in this exhibition. I love being Aboriginal, I love everything that goes with it.

ARTISTS

Teresa Baker (Pitjantjatjara)

Kaye Baker (Pitjantjatjara)

Marika Davies (Dieri, Wangkangurru)

Juanella Donovan (Adnyamathanha, Lower Southern Arrernte, Luritja)

Loretta Macumba (Eastern Arrernte, Gurindji, Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara)

Ellen Macumba (Eastern Arrernte, Gurindji)

Marli Macumba (Eastern Arrernte, Gurindji, Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara)

Jean May Reid Uluru (Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara)

Jennifer Reid (Kokatha, Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara)

Nancy Reid (Kokatha, Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara)

Pollyanne Smith (Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara)

Charmaine Wilson (Ngarrindjeri, Pitjantjatjara)