Kungka Kutjara 21-905KA (M)

As a senior law woman of the Kaltukatjara area, Martha’s work draws significant inspiration from local landscape and Tjukurpa (dreaming) stories. Martha’s whole family have lived and travelled in the Kaltukatja area for genera􏰀ons, and her paintings are a tribute to her significant cultural and historical contribution to her community.
In this work, Martha interprets the Kungka Kutjara Tjukurpa, meaning Two Women. Kungka Kutjara is a creation story following two sisters who travel through the desert leaving significant landmarks in their wake. Martha’s painting focuses on a significant cultural site just outside Kaltukatjara where the two sisters stopped to rest under two big shade trees. It also shows features of the striking desert landscape such as kapi (rock holes), purnu (trees) and puli (rocks).
Martha is a lively and animated artist whose works draw a connection between the physical and spiritual realms of her life. She sings Inma (ceremony) songs continuously as she paints, her steady voice offering a rhythm for the brush.

This artwork is currently available from Bluethumb's Melbourne Gallery in Bridge Road, Richmond.

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Martha was born south of Docker River at a Rockhole, the
name of which Martha cannot speak for cultural reasons.
Her whole family are from Docker River country. Matha’s
father’s country is Warakurna and her mother’s country
Wingellina. She has one son and one daughter and her
husband has passed away. Her husband was from the
other side of the Peterman Ranges. Martha has been
painting, weaving tjanpi and carving purnu for many years.
She is a senior law woman and holds important Tjukurrpa
songs for her country.