Tjukupati’s vibrant paintings are full of history and culture. She draws important inspiration from the striking ranges of her father’s country around Kaltukatjara, having grown up scrambling over boulders, siting...
Tjukupati’s vibrant paintings are full of history and culture. She draws important inspiration from the striking ranges of her father’s country around Kaltukatjara, having grown up scrambling over boulders, siting under trees and swimming in the rock holes there. Tjukupati reimagines one of the most significant Western Desert Tjukurpa stories, Kungka Kutjara, meaning Two Women. It tells the story of two sisters travelling through the desert. As they travelled, their actions created landmarks such as rock holes and mountain ranges, forging a record of their travels across the land. Tjukupati otien paints the women carrying piti (coolamon) for carrying water, and a wana (digging stick) for hunting. Tjukupati is distinguished by the freedom and movement of her brush strokes, evident in the compelling energy of her work. She is an innovative artist, continually experimenting with new methods styles and colours.