Tjulkiwa Atira Atira

Arulya

2016
acrylic on linen
183 x 168 cm
Courtesy Ninuku Arts, Kalka
© The artist and Ninuku Arts

According to the artist, there are two Tjukurpa (Dreaming stories) for the place called Arulya:

At Arulya, a beautiful place with a cave called Kuruyiti, some children are hiding in the cave because there is a big rain coming. Their big brother is waiting outside, eating and sleeping, but he will not come inside. When the storm comes, the hail stones come down hard and they kill the big brother, as he is not protected. This is a creation story - it has affected the landscape. You can see this cave when you visit the site.

Another creation story from this place is Wati Tjakura (an edible skink lizard). The Wal Mala (army of male snakes) and the Wati Wanampi (male water snake) from a waterhole site known as Malara came together in battle and threw spears at Wati Tjakura. He tried to escape but they killed him, and his family came to bury him.

Tjulkiwa Atira Atira

Born: born 1951 Watarru SA
Pitjantjatjara language group
Art Centre: Ninuku Arts, Kalka SA

Tjulkiwa Atira Atria was born in 1951 at Watarru. From 1968 she worked in Ernabella in the craftroom. She now lives at Pipalyatjara with her family and paints at Ninuku Arts centre.