We are thrilled to announce that CORNELIA TIPUAMANTUMIRRI will make the long journey from Melville Island, Northern Territory to launch the exhibition. She will be accompanied by her daughter Delores Tipuamantumirri, her grand-daughter, Jenna Tipuamantumirri and Francesca Puruntatameri, a relative of Justin Puruntatameri.

Kirilima + Jarrikalani is the second solo exhibition of celebrated senior Tiwi artists, Justin Puruntatameri and Cornelia Tipuamantumirri at Alcaston Gallery. In this new body of work, both artists have used their dreamings as inspiration; kirilima, the jungle fowl, is Justin Puruntatameri’s totem, and his artwork depicts the country in which the orange-footed scrub fowl once dwelled. Justin’s paintings can be read as detailed Tiwi maps, each intricate brushstroke reflecting his country as viewed from above. Justin Puruntatameri is the most senior person in the Pirlangimpi Community on Melville Island, and he enjoys his status in the community as the most senior authority on all things Tiwi. Cornelia Tipuamantumirri paints the tidal movements of the sea; she is inspired by her totem, jarrikalani, the loggerhead turtle, which spends its life amongst the waves (winga). The patterns in her luminous paintings emulate the waves breaking on the coastline, as they capture sunlight glistening on the water’s surface. With her unique and sophisticated style, Cornelia Tipuamantumirri represents exciting images of Tiwi art and culture. Both Justin Puruntatameri and Cornelia Tipuamantumirri were selected as finalists in this year’s 29 th Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award. This prestigious award aims to recognise the important contribution made by Indigenous artists, both established and emerging, and has come to be regarded as one of the premier national events in the Australian Indigenous art calendar.
- Beverly Knight 2012