Wati Kutjarra Tjukurrpa, 2007 by Betty West 90x142cm CAT 13142BW

Wati Kutjarra Tjukurrpa, 2007 - Two Men Dreaming by Betty West

Wati Kutjarra Tjukurrpa, or "Two Men Dreaming," is a significant Law story within the Ngaanyatjarra language group, tracing the journey of ancestral men who shaped the world. This Tjukurrpa transcends traditional boundaries and language groups across the desert, emphasising its importance and widespread influence.

Artist Betty West, born around 1940 in Warburton, Western Australia, captures this powerful narrative in her painting. The artwork depicts two men gathering wild food and conducting ceremonies with other men in the country north of Warburton Ranges. The lines in the painting represent the natural landscape features, with the two men resting within the bow shelter of their sites.

West's strong iconography, rendered in rich colours of yellow, white, and black, radiates throughout the canvas, creating a vivid and dynamic visual experience. The painting is a testament to the enduring cultural significance of the Wati Kutjarra Tjukurrpa and Betty West's skill in conveying these ancestral stories through her art.

Betty West's work is a striking representation of the deep cultural heritage and storytelling traditions of the Ngaanyatjarra people, offering a glimpse into the spiritual and ceremonial life of her ancestors.

Provenance of this painting is Warburton Community Inc #070826