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Tjala Artists 2011 : Recent artwork from Tjala

Past exhibition
6 October - 2 November 2011
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Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: Yaritji Young, Seven Sisters

Yaritji Young Australian, Pitjantjatjara, b. 1954

Seven Sisters
acrylic on linen
152.5 x 1015 cm
788054
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Yaritji has depicted the Seven Sisters Story. This is Tjukurpa Story (Creation Story) about the constellations of Pleaides and Orion. The sisters are the constellation of Pleiades and the other...
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Yaritji has depicted the Seven Sisters Story. This is Tjukurpa Story (Creation Story) about the constellations of Pleaides and Orion. The sisters are the constellation of Pleiades and the other star Orion is said to be Nyiru or Nyirunya (described as a lusty or bad man). Nyiru is forever chasing the sisters known as the Kunkarunkara women as it is said he wants to marry the eldest sister.
The seven sisters travel again and again from the sky to the earth to escape Nyiru's unwanted attentions. They turn into their human form to escape from the persistent NYiru, but he always finds them and they flee back to the sky.
As Nyiru is chasing the sisters he tries to catch them by using magic to turn into the most tempting kampurarpra (bush tomatoes) for the sisters to eat and the most beautiful Ili (fig) tree for them to camp under. However, the sisters are too clever for Nyiru and outwit him as they are knowledgeable about his magic. They go hungry and run through the night rather than be caught by Nyiru.
Every now and again one of the women fall victim to his ways. It is said that he eventually captures the youngest sister, but with the help of the oldest sister, she escapes back to her sisters who are waiting for her. Eventually the sisters fly back into the sky to escape Nyiru, reforming the constallation.
(in some cases the artist will secretly depict sexual elements as Nyiru is really only after one thing- sex)

TJALA ARTS
Tjala Arts is located at Amata Community, in the far northwest of South Australia. It is an Aboriginal owned and managed corporation that sells artwork on behalf of its members. Since its foundation in 1999 (originally as Minymaku Arts), Tjala Arts has concentrated on adapting traditional aboriginal symbols and designs to create contemporary abstract imagery. The centre provides an opportunity for the Anangu (Pitjantjatjara Aboriginal people) to develop skills in fine art and regional craft production. The art centre also plays a significant role in the well-being of the community and maintaining culture and law.
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