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Tjapu-tjapu inkama! (Play ball!)

$3,200.00

Sylvanna Kenny , Noreen Heffernan, Yuminia Kenta , Angelina Bradley , Jacinta Heffernan , Tjulyata Kulyuru , Michaela Abbott
steel car-seat frames, steel car-seat frames, tjanpi (desert grasses), hand-dyed raffia, wire, merino and alpaca wool, nuts and bolts
134 x 106.5 x 78 cm
Tjanpi Desert Weavers
TJP03-25

Wati munu kungka mukuringkupai ingka tjikitja softball, football and basketball.  

Anangu men and women love softball, football and basketball in community. 
 
These much-loved community sports are celebrated by Pukatja weavers through this joyful series of sculptural fibre artwork. For people living in the remote Central Desert region, sport is a powerful and positive way to connect, not only within their own communities, but across the wider NPY Lands. 
 
Players often travel long distances over rugged country to compete in sporting carnivals, reconnect with family, and catch up with friends. Supporters show their passion and pride by donning team colours, painting their cars, and decorating homes with flags and mascots. Even the kurparu (magpies) flock down to the grounds to barrack for their local team. 
 
Each woven figure emanates the energy and spirit of desert sports and reflects the creative ingenuity of the artists who brought them to life. This is community storytelling of movement, and heart. 

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.