25-597 – Jenny Butt

“This painting represents my families country and how we are part of it too. It’s Kulyakartu, the tuwa (Sandhills), the grass….it’s a grassland. It’s from an inspiration of me from when I went on a KJ trip with Nyamu Muuki and Nana Nola. It was a good experience seeing the vibrant colour of the landscape. So I started to open my eyes too see country you know, seeing the colours and the country through the canvas, and I feel good inside. Yes, this painting represents Ngurra, Kulyakartu.” – Jenny Butt

Kulyakartu is a large area in the far north of the Martu homelands, near the Percival Lakes region of Western Australia’s Great Sandy Desert. Kulyakartu is mostly flat grass Country, and is known as a good hunting area. In particular, parnajarrpa (goanna), wild cats, and lunki (witchetty grub) are found in abundance here. In the wantajarra (wet season) the dry lakes in the region fill with water.

The traditional lands of the Martu people encompass the Great Sandy Desert and Rudall River regions of Western Australia, an enormous tract dominated by distinctive red tali, or tuwa (sandhills). These sandhills present an unforgiving landscape; sparse vegetation covers a seemingly never ending expanse of dunes, and yet these lands and the location of resources within them was known intimately by its pujiman (traditional, desert dwelling) inhabitants.

Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa (KJ), established in 2005, is a dedicated Martu organization working to build and sustainable communities. Guided by three complementary objectives, KJ is; committed to supporting Martu in preserving their culture and Country; building a viable economy within Martu communities and; building pathways for young Martu toward a healthy future. The vast majority of Martumili Artists are also involved with a range of KJs extensive programs.