Punkupirri 2008, by Melissa Butler 76x76cm Cat 13644MB

"Punkupirri 2008" by Melissa Butler depicts a big rockhole surrounded by large rocky cliffs. It is just south of Tjurkurla, in the Gibson Desert in the Northern Territory.

Tjukurrpa - physical feature or part of the countryside associated with a dreamtime story: Character from a dreamtime story. (From Ngaanyatjarra and Ngatjatjarra to English Dictionary, IAD Press).

Melissa Butler is of the Ngaanyatjarra language group. During her time living in Patjarr, a very remote area in the Ngaanyatjarra lands (and one of the most isolated places in Australia), she painted for Kaylili Artists, the provenance of this painting certificate Cat 08-175 Kaylili Artist s.

Painting practice in Patjarr has been built on a program of bush trips. During these interruptions of the artists´beloved time hunting, the most beautiful (often collaborative) artworks are created.

In 2015 Kayili Artists formally amalgamated with Warakurna Artists as an answer to the slow erosion of the population base in Patjarr. This ensures that the artists of Patjarr – still painting their undiluted versions of desert life and preferring to go hunting – retain access to art services.

Melissa Butler has since painted for Ikuntji Artists, in Haasts Bluff, Central Desert.