Both Rosalind’s mother and grandmother were famous Ngangkari’s (traditional healers) in the western country of the APY Lands, she has many family members in the Amata community. Rosalind spent a lifetime outdoors with her mother and grandmother traveling to visit family and friends in need of healing. Rosalind’s paintings allude to a healing energy and strive to encompass the desert landscape. Her paintings speak to a deep history of connection to both country and people.
Rosalind Tjanyari was born at the small clinic in Indulkana community. She has two younger brothers, and they lived together with her parents in a small wiltja (hand-built shelter) close to the creek. Rosalind’s mother Kunmanara (Kanakyia) Tjanyari was a highly regarded ngangkari (traditional healer), who worked at the Indulkana clinic before becoming a respected artist and leader at Iwantja Arts. Kanakiya also cared for a large extended family of children in Indulkana, and this tradition has been continued by Rosalind who has no children of her own but has been a guardian, nurturer and role model for many young children in the Indulkana community. Rosalind was introduced to the art centre from a young age by her mother and has been a long-time artist, arts worker and director at Iwantja Arts.
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.
