Punyarnita II

Date2002

Object number00056326

NameScreenprint

MediumPaper, ink

DimensionsOverall: 764 × 571 mm
Image: 604 × 410 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program by Michael Kershaw

Terms

DescriptionEntitled Punyarnita II, this print is by West Australian artist Lucy Yukenbarri (about 1934-2004), one of the earlier painters from her remote Western Australia community in the Great Sandy Desert. A respected senior custodian, she has a vast knowledge of the waterholes in the Desert, and this was often a focus for her artwork. In this print, the soakwater or tjurrnu is in the centre of the painting, sand dunes or tali dominate the landscape and the small dots represent the variety of foods to be found including bush tomatoes, potatoes and onion. The inverted U shpaes represent women performing ceremony to ensure ongoing abundance of food and connection to country.SignificanceThis print by Lucy Yukenbarri provides insights into the development of painting and printmaking by First Nations peoples and the rich belief systems of her people. One of the earliest painters from the First Nations peoples living in the remote Western Australian community of Wirrimanu (Balgo), she drew on the Dreaming stories that enabled her people to survive in this harsh, dry landscape. As a respected senior custodian, Yukenbarri had a vast knowledge of the waterholes in the Great Sandy Desert and this was often a focus for her artworks.
The print's provenance to the Michael Kershaw collection further adds to its significance as, in his position as managing director of the Australian Art Network, he has been responsible for the development and promotion of Indigenous art for over 25 years. Through the publication and distribution of fine art prints by First Nations artists, Kershaw has contributed to broader recognition of their work in Australia and internationally.