Woman Rockhole by Inkitjili Nampitjinpa, Arches Paper, 56x76cm

Woman Rockhole by Inkitjili Nampitjinpa

Inkitjili Nampitjinpa, a prominent Pintupi artist from Haasts Bluff, was an influential figure in her community. Born around 1918, she was an elder sister to Alice and held the esteemed position of unkiman, a senior woman with significant cultural responsibilities. Inkitjili also brought up Long Tom Tjapanangka, a well-established Pintupi artist.

Known for her spontaneous and expressive approach, Inkitjili often worked with yellow ochre in a gestural style. Her paintings capture the essence of her cultural heritage and the landscapes around Kintore, particularly focusing on a place known as the Woman Rockhole. This site holds deep cultural significance, with tracks on the rock created by thousands of years of women dancing and using nullanullas, leaving imprints and stories embedded in the rock.

The Woman Rockhole is a critical location for women's ceremonies, with numerous stories associated with it. Inkitjili's paintings reflect these cultural narratives, preserving and sharing the rich traditions of her people through her art. Her role as an elder and her contributions to the cultural heritage of the Pintupi community are invaluable.

Inkitjili Nampitjinpa's work is included in prestigious collections such as the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), ensuring her legacy and the cultural stories she depicted continue to be appreciated by future generations.

Painting provenance: Ikuntji IK96IN328.