Lennard Walker Australian, Pitjantjara, b. 1946
Kuru Ala, 2026
acrylic on linen
137 x 140 cm
26-153
Lennard paints Kuru Ala with clear intention - this is the country of his birth making him the senior custodian. It is a ‘Women’s Site” holding the Kungkarangkalpa Tjukurpa –...
Lennard paints Kuru Ala with clear intention - this is the country of his birth making him the senior custodian. It is a ‘Women’s Site” holding the Kungkarangkalpa Tjukurpa – Seven Sisters story. This is an epic songline, which follows a group of young women as they traverse Spinifex country all the while evading the lustful attention of a powerful sorcerer man named Nyiru. Nyiru has metamorphic powers of transformation. He is a quandong tree at one site and at another a kunyia (woma python). The women make their way north, eventually flying into the night sky to become the star constellation of Pleiades the Seven Sisters. These characters are creation beings who transform the landscape as they move through it leaving indelible physical reminders of their power and presence for Anangu to follow. As a man, there are places that Lennard cannot go but he still holds authority and cultural\ responsibilities for Kuru Ala. Lennard has added punu (trees) that circle around the site of Kuru Ala.