Kungka Kuṉpu (Strong Women)

Nyunmiti Burton, Kungkarangkalpa – Seven Sisters, 2020, Adelaide, synthetic polymer paint on linen, 290.0 x 290.0 cm, photo Grant Hancock.

Drawn from AGSA’s collection, Kungka Kuṉpu (Strong Women) showcases major contemporary works by celebrated women artists from the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands – cultural custodians of an oral tradition that epitomises the art of storytelling. Working individually and collaboratively, these women leaders share an irrepressible desire to create ground-breaking works, deeply embedded with cultural knowledge and rich in ceremonial song and performance.

Presented as part of AGSA’s acclaimed Tarnanthi program, this regional touring exhibition reflects the adaptive genius, energy and dynamism of Aṉangu culture and recognises the APY art movement as a vital source of contemporary art production in Australia today.

Kungka Kuṉpu (Strong Women) tells the inspiring tale of women supporting each other across generations, expressed through exemplary paintings, large-scale woven sculptural installations and moving image. These works centre on caring for Country, mapping significant sites and life-sustaining practices of the desert, while also sharing complex narratives surrounding family obligations and relationships. This includes the Kungkarangkalpa (Seven Sisters) story about women who travel together and look after each other.

“The Seven Sisters story has always been important for Aṉangu women and it is more important today than ever before … This is the power of women leaders. We can make all the women coming behind us fly.”
– Nyunmiti Burton

Artists:

Kukika Adamson, Lindy Aitken, Suzanne Armstrong, Angkuna Baker, Leena Baker, Sonia Bannington, Verna Bannington, Freda Brady, Shantariah Brumby, Kunmanara (Wawiriya) Burton, Maringka Burton, Nyunmiti Burton, Betty Chimney, Nellie Coulthard, Emily Cullinan, Kendra Cullinan, Leonie Cullinan, Vicki Cullinan, Unrupa Rhonda Dick, Maureen Douglas, Nyurpaya Kaika Burton, Naomi Kantjuriny, Kunmanara (Tjampawa Katie) Kawiny, Anastine Ken, Iluwanti Ken, Sandra Ken, Serena Ken, Sylvia Ken, Tjungkara Ken, Rene Kulitja, Kunmanara (Niningka) Lewis, Laurel Macumba, Kunmanara (Judy) Martin, Kunmanara (Paniny) Mick, Barbara Mbitjana Moore, Betty Muffler, Ngila Mungkuri, Chelsea Namatjira, Mary Katatjuku Pan, Natasha Pompey, Kunmanara (Milatjari) Pumani, Kunmanara (Ngupulya) Pumani, Priscilla Singer, Chantelle Stewart, Pamela Stewart, Tjunkaya Tapaya, Rini Tiger, Rosalind Tjanyari, Kantanari Nancy Tjilya, Rhoda Tjitayi, Maringka Tunkin, Katie Walatinna, Raylene Walatinna, Judith Walkabout, Nancy Ward, Kaylene Whiskey, Nita Williamson, Kunmanara (Ruby) Williamson, Barbara Yanima, Tilly Yanima and Yaritji Tingila Young.

Venues and Dates:

SOURCE: Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide, (AUS).