About this artwork
Paintings depict the Tjukurpa, the Law and stories of Ancestors. Anangu (Central and Western Desert Aboriginal people) have responsibilities for the protection and teaching of different Tiukurpa and there are strict protocols for the imparting of knowledge. The dotting technique has evolved with the need to adapt sacred expressions of Tjukurpa for public viewing and as a depiction of the desert landscape.
Jim Nyukuti’s paintings map his country, tracing and retracing the acts of his grandfathers and their grandfathers before them as they take their young men through the Law. Each canvas re- embeds the significance of his country and kin.
Watiku Tjukurpa is sacred and restricted men’s Law, referred to today as ‘Men’s Business’ and as heavily guarded and honoured now as it has always been. According to his Law, Jim reveals no more than the names of sites along the route of this Law cycle. The men travel though Kaltukatjara (Docker River), Tjukurla, Walungurru (Kintore), Pinari, Mitukatjirri and Pirmal. Jim sometimes includes the sites of Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
For the traditional custodian, these names alone conjure layer upon layer of story and meaning For Jim, his depictions of country celebrate and affirm the depth and endurance of his culture. He paints the strength of his identity as a traditional man.
•Ngayulu, nganana, wati tjutangku kunpungku kanyini. Tjukurpa miilmilpa nganampa ngaranyi altatjitu.
Together with the senior men, I protect restricted knowledge. This is the way of our Law.’
About Jim Nyukuti
Jim Nuykuti is an experienced carver, brought up on the Tjukurpa of his grandfathers in his ancestral country around the Petermann Ranges. He was instrumental in starting the Maruku organisation and has been an active and committed executive member ever since. Jim is a regular visitor to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, through both is commitment to Maruku Arts and as a member of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Board of Joint Management. As a senior man, he is consulted on his extensive traditional cultural and environmental knowledge of the area. He takes great price in his culture, art and the work he does for it.
