Kungka Kuṉpu

Drawn from AGSA’s collection, Kungka Kuṉpu (Strong Women) showcases major contemporary works by celebrated women artists from the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands – cultural custodians of an oral tradition that epitomises the art of storytelling. Working individually and collaboratively, these women leaders share an irrepressible desire to create ground-breaking works, deeply embedded with cultural knowledge and rich in ceremonial song and performance. Presented as part of AGSA’s acclaimed Tarnanthi program, this regional touring exhibition reflects the adaptive genius, energy and dynamism of Aṉangu culture and the inspiring tale of women supporting each other across generations.

Key artists include Angkuna Baker, Kunmanara (Wawiriya) Burton, Nyunmiti Burton, Sylvia Ken, Kunmanara (Militjari) Pumani, Rhoda Tjitayi, Tjanpi Desert Weavers, Kaylene Whiskey and Yaritji Young – to name a few.

‘The Seven Sisters story has always been important for Aṉangu women and it is more important today than ever before… This is the power of women leaders. We can make all the women coming behind us fly.’ - Nyunmiti Burton 2021

Image: Ken Family Collaborative, Tjungkara Ken, Sandra Ken, Freda Brady, Maringka Tunkin, Yaritji Tingila Young and Paniny Mick, with their work Kangkura-KangkuraKu Tjukurpa - A Sister's Story, 2017, image courtesy Ken Family Collaborative/ and Tjala Arts

Kungka Kuṉpu Glossary

The glossary was first developed and published as part of the Kuḻaṯa Tjuṯa Project, a long-running cultural maintenance project and series of exhibitions by artists from the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands in South Australia.

Far from encyclopedic, the selection of words focus specifically on Anangu women, their roles, Country, and the plants and animals that share Country with Anangu. As with language, this glossary will continue to evolve over the course of the exhibition tour.

You can explore the glossary here.