In this sculpture the curved painted lines represents tali or sand dunes. The many dots describe the flora found in the desert landscape and the larger white dots running through depicts a road telling us of travel through the land. This walka, or design, is specific to the Cooley family. It was handed down from senior wood carvers Billy and Lulu Cooley to Marlene and evolved from the patterns burnt into carvings with wire heated on a wood fire. This was the first work created as part of a car painting project, financed by the Mutitjulu Foundation.
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.
