Christine West

Acrylic on Canvas. Image size: 97x80cm

This is part of the important Wati Kutjarra, or Two Men Tjukurpa at a site northeast of the Warburton Ranges on their path across the Central and Western Deserts. The men are throwing sacred boomerangs near Kunnapurrul Waterhole when one accidently hit and killed a woman, causing them profound regret. Concentric circles show sacred places on their travels and the ‘L’ shaped forms are the boomerangs. The men are shown as two ‘U’ shaped forms partly enclosed by a black perimeter, which is a desert shelter of branches and trees.

Christine West is minyma Yarnangu, a senior Ngaanyatjarra speaking Aboriginal woman. Born in the country half way between Alice Springs and Kalgoorlie, she has spent most of her life based in Warburton Community. As well as being a long time traditional wood carver she is also gaining renown as a painter and works with the Tjanpi Desert Weavers. Christine is a respected senior law woman and community member whose skills have been passed on through the Tjukurpa