Walawuru ngunytju kukaku ananyi (Mother eagles going hunting)
2023
Medium
ink and synthetic polymer paint on canvas
Measurements
(a-c) 210.5 × 509.0 cm (overall)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased NGV Foundation with the assistance of Beatrice Moignard, 2023
© The Artist, Tjala Arts and Jan Murphy Gallery
Gallery location
Not on display
About this work
Senior Pitjantjatjara artist Iluwanti Ken works across painting, weaving and sculpture. Ken is well known for her large-scale ink drawings which feature graphic depictions of mother eagles hunting. These highly detailed drawings are created using punu sticks and express her Tjukurpa (Aṉangu cultural heritage encompassing past, present and future). Ken states that birds like walawuru (eagles) and patupiri (swallows) have lessons for Aṉangu women about how to care for one’s children. She says, ‘I paint the stories of my father’s country – Walawuru Tjukurpa – the story of the eagles.’ These birds build strong wiltjas (shelters) for their family, hunt for food and protect their young from danger.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Amata, South Australia
Inscription
(a) inscribed in black paint l.r.: ILUWANTi KEn
Accession Number
2023.600.a-c
Department
First Nations Australia