Palpatatjara

Ned Grant depicts the Ngalta (Desert Kurrajong) in its spiritual incarnation and the embodiment of his Tjukurpa at the significant site of Palpatatjara. This site holds the Tjulpu Tjuta (Many Birds) Tjukurpa, a narrative that follows a group of Nyii-Nyii (Zebra Finch) as they journey south to the coast to save the world from rising seas. These are creation beings who shape the immediate landscape as they move through it and the physical and the moral compass that still guides Spinifex People today. 

 

Ned Grant was born near Papatatjara in the north-east quadrant of Spinifex Country in the Great Victoria Desert. During the Aboriginal Evangelical Mission (AEM) sweep through Spinifex in the late 1950’s Ned was taken into Cundeelee Mission with older brother, Ted (dec) and younger brother Fred (dec). Ned was a nyiingka (segregated bush boy) when he came in and was inducted into Men’s Law in the ranges country north-west of Laverton. Ned, a senior man by the early 1980’s, helped drive the return to Spinifex country. Today Ned is the main ceremonial leader of the Tjintu (sun side) of Spinifex society.   Ned has been painting with the Spinifex Art Project since its beginning in 1997. His works have been included in major exhibitions nationally and internationally. Ned was one of 17 men who collaboratively painted their particular estates, which merged together, formed the Men’s Native Title painting.  Ned continues to paint his ‘run’ – the area around where he was born and subsequently lost his umbilical cord.