JGM Gallery is proud to present Minyma Ninti Pulka: Wise Women, an exhibition showcasing the vibrant works of ten Indigenous women artists from Tjala Arts in Amata, located in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands of South Australia. This exhibition highlights not only the artistic talents of these women but also their vital roles within their communities as knowledge holders and teachers.
The title of the exhibition, “Wise Women,” reflects the generational passage of creative skills and knowledge among Indigenous women. As Barbara Mbitjana Moore, one of the artists, shares, “The young ones are also coming to the art centre and learning and looking and doing their family painting.” This sentiment encapsulates the collaborative spirit inherent in their artistic practices, where women of all ages work together, fostering a rich heritage of painting that ties back to their cultural idea.
The exhibition features artists from three significant families within Amata: the Burtons, the Mitakikis, and the Kens. Among the standout pieces is Freda Brady’s “Seven Sisters”, a compelling depiction rendered in acrylic on linen. The painting, measuring 151.5cm x 100.5cm, illustrates the enduring connection between the artists and their ancestral stories.
Similarly poignant is Barbara Mbitjana Moore’s “Ngayuku Ngura – My Country,” completed in 2023. This work not only represents her connection to the land but also serves as a medium for educating her daughters and grandchildren about their heritage. Moore explains, “Through my painting, I’m teaching my daughters and grandchildren too. I’m doing this for my family — it’s all about my family.”
Naomi Kantjuriny’s “Minyma Mamu Tjuta,” another highlight, showcases the distinctive styles derived from shared cultural teachings. Kantjuriny’s work, which employs organic shapes and patterns to reflect the landscape, is a testament to the lineage of artistic knowledge passed down through generations.
The exhibition serves as a reminder of the pivotal role women play in preserving Indigenous knowledge and culture. As noted by Jennifer Guerrini Maraldi, Director of JGM Gallery, “Historically, women’s knowledge — particularly Indigenous women’s knowledge — has been sidelined. It is JGM Gallery’s hope to reinstate this knowledge as integral for understanding Indigenous ways of life and to amplify women’s voices from around the globe.”
This focus on the importance of women’s leadership continues a crucial dialogue surrounding the recognition and respect of Indigenous cultures and the storytelling traditions that accompany them.
You are cordially invited to the Private View of Minyma Ninti Pulka: Wise Women on 23 April 2025, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. This event will be a unique opportunity to engage with the artists and gain insights into their creative processes and the cultural narratives that influence their works.
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