Artists of Ampilatwatja – Welcome to Paradise

Artists of Ampilatwatja - Paintings of Homelands

‘Welcome to Paradise’ reveals the traditional country of Alyawarr people of Central Australia. The community of Ampilatwatja is north-east from Alice Springs, and its art centre has operated there since 1999. The paintings focus on the landscapes of locations that form the ancestral grounds of the people. Many artists depict Arreth, the bush medicine plants traditionally harvested by the people. The reflections of the artists and the on-going ties to the land are seen in the paintings, which are formed by the use of tiny dots that create the features of the country.

Traditional knowledge is viewed through the lens of appropriate standing of the individual, with stories reserved for the initiated in customary law, and stories appropriate for wider exposure to the outside world. The artists are bound by these laws and so can reveal some aspects of their country and customs, while with-holding other aspects as part of the restricted knowledge of their country.

These beautiful landscape images of Alyawarr country are on view at Japingka Gallery from 23 March until 16 May 2018.

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