Ray Ken

Tali - Sand Dune

2014
acrylic on linen
197 x 198 cm
Private Collection, Sydney
© The artist and Tjala Arts

Ray paints rockhole sites, knowledge of which is passed on from generation to generation and revered by all Anangu (people) Pitjantjatjara. He works slowly and is very meticulous but there is a unique contemporary vision to his imagery that sets Ray Ken apart from other artists. He is drawn to vibrant colours that reflect the luminous colours of the sand dunes and desert landscape he paints.

In this work Ray is telling the story of the sandhill country.

Ray Ken

Born: c.1940 Amaruna (near Indulkana) SA
Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara language groups
Art Centre: Tjala Arts, Amata SA

Ray grew up in Pukutja (Ernabella Mission). As a young man he worked as a stockman and ringer at the surrounding cattle stations.

Ray had never painted before coming to Tjala Arts (formerly Minymaku Arts) in mid 2003. He is a slow and meticulous worker who is drawn to vibrant colours that reflect the luminous colours of the sand dunes and desert landscape he paints.