Uwankara kurunpa kutju-tjara – Our People, One Soul is the first in a series of collaborative project exhibitions to feature new paintings and ceramics by artists in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara / Yankunyjatjara (APY) Lands, located in the north west of South Australia.

This powerful selection of collaborative artwork is the result of a special initiative spearheaded by the art centres in the APY Lands (Tjala Arts, Tjungu Palya and Ernabella Arts), where senior artists in the area joined forces to tell their sacred stories (Tjukurpa) through rich, bold colours and striking representations of their landscape. Senior artists from each art centre including Hector Burton, Barney Wangin, Mick Wikilyiri and Ray Ken from Tjala Arts, SA, and Bernard Tjalkuri, Keith Stevens and David Miller from Tjungu Palya, SA, have collaborated on large-scale paintings, which depict the traditional stories that hold great cultural significance to the Anangu people. The artists have also collaborated with their family members, such as their children, to create fresh and dynamic expressions of their Dreamings. Artists from Ernabella Arts, SA including Dickie Minyintiri, Pepai Carroll and Derek Thompson have similarly collaborated with their relatives to create unique stoneware form ceramics that powerfully depict their ngurra (country). This inaugural project exhibition signals the importance of keeping the stories of the Anangu people alive through communication between elder artists throughout the APY Lands, and by involving the younger generation, as stated by artist Ray Ken, The old men have worked together first at home in this community. Next we are working with other men in other communities and after this we will bring the young men in.

This outstanding selection of paintings and ceramics is a celebration of Anangu country and culture, and we are honoured to show this landmark exhibition at Alcaston Gallery.

- Beverly Knight 2012