This artwork depicts Carlene Thompson’s family’s country which is near Kanpi in the western Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yangkantjatjara Lands. The Emu (Kalaya) is the ancestral being who formed that part of the country as it travelled from Kanpi to Watarru. Carlene is a senior artist and woman in the Pukatja community. Her artworks are about tjulpu tjuta (birds). It is typical for the kalaya to have many children, like Carlene who had six children. People call her Tjulpu Thompson, and she says ‘like I did with my children, I now raise chicks every day on canvas and in clay in my work’.
Desert Mob is presented annually in Mparntwe | Alice Springs on Arrernte Country.
On behalf of Desart’s staff and art centre members, the Executive Committee humbly and respectfully acknowledge the Arrernte Apmereke Artweye (Traditional Owners) and Kwertengerle (Traditional Managers) of Mparntwe.
Desart respectfully advises Aboriginal readers that this website may contain names, images and artworks of people who have passed away.
