The group relaxing after a big week of painting and knowledge at Wilarra. The site lies on the edge of a large salt lake , Nyayartakujarra (Lake Dora), near Punmu community. A distinctive group of small salt water pools are clustered together here. The water from these pools is known for its powerful healing properties. Wilarra is also a term for moon in Manyjillyjarra, and through the sites jukurrpa (dreaming) the site is united with the moon in significance. It is said that at Wilarra, the moon called to a family of dingoes, a mother, father and their large litter of pups. The moon cared for them and created a wind break for the dingoes to shelter. Picture credit – David Wells

“The moon and the lake. The moon is taking care of the dingo pups, it’s looking after them. This here is the salt lake [and the] dingo pups here laying down, they’re laying there with their mum. [The] father is here, [the] father of the pups with his wife. They are talking to each other, laying down next to each other. They sang out, kept howling. The pups listened and ran away. The moon is laying down taking care of the pups.”

Mulyatingki Marney – Martumili Artist

The Yaama Ganu team were privileged to join the Martumili Artists for their annual artist meeting, this year held at Punmu Community on Martu Country, 1,310 km northeast of Perth, Western Australia. The week extends an opportunity for artists from all corners of Martu country to come together to talk, plan, support, paint and inspire to ensure that Martu culture remains strong.

The spirit of the new exhibition ‘Punmu Karti!’ (We’re Going to Punmu!) encapsulates our time spent with the Martu artists at Punmu. Stories of country, layered with meaning, canvases loaded with colour, the joy of the artists returning to their home. Many of these works were completed during our time spent at Punmu. The body of artwork pays respect to Martu country and celebrates the work and knowledge of the artists.