Four Fibre Sculptures And A Woven Basket

(I) ANGKALIYA CURTIS, born 1928
BASKET TJUKURLA (ROCKHOLE BASKET), 2013
grass and wool fibre
80.0 cm diameter

(II) IWANA KEN, born 1937
KAMULA KUTJARA SADDLAJARRA (TWO CAMELS WITH SADDLES), 2008
grass and wool fibre
35.0 x 64.0 x 25.0 cm
46.0 x 64.0 x 13.0 cm

(III) ROCHELLE FERGUSON, born 1981
EAGLE, 2012
grass and wool fibre
71.0 x 34.0 x 49.0 cm

(IV) RENE KULITJA, born 1958
A. TJULPU PULKA (BIG BIRD), 2011
grass and wool fibre
47.0 x 63.0 x 27.0 cm

Tjanpi Desert Weavers, APY Lands, South Australia (cat. 702–13)
Maclean collection, Melbourne, acquired from the above in November 2012

Desert Mob 2011, Araluen Arts Centre, Alice Springs, 9 September – 23 October 2011 ( Tjulpu Pulka (Big Bird), 2011)
Desert Mob 2012, Araluen Arts Centre, Alice Springs, 5 – 7 September 2012 ( Eagle, 2012)

Watson, P., Tjanpi Desert Weavers, Macmillan Art Publishing, Melbourne, 2012, p. 205 (II, illus.)

Basket Tjukurla (Rockhole Basket), 2013 by Angkaliya Curtis is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tjanpi Desert Weavers, APY Lands, South Australia which states: ‘This beautiful sculptural basket created by Angkaliya Curtis reflects the central desert landscape, in-particular the sacred rock-holes that are so prominent in Tjukurpa stories. Angkaliya Curtis is a highly skilled weaver with an eye for form and texture. The textural nature of this basket combined with the colourful design creates a unique and highly engaging work.’

Tjulpu Pulka (Big Bird), 2011 by Rene Kulitja is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tjanpi Desert Weavers, APY Lands, South Australia which states: ‘This delightfully quirky big bird by Rene Kulitja is characteristic of the captivating sculptures she enjoys creating.’

Kamula Kutjara Saddleajarra (Two Camels with Saddles), by Iwana Ken is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tjanpi Desert Weavers, APY Lands, South Australia which states: ‘The Tjukurrpa (story) of camels in Australia started well and is currently in dire straits. Imported into Australia originally as the ultimate beast of burden for desert pioneers and Afghan railway construction workers, camels have now become a feral pest rapidly destroying the fragile ecosystems and waterholes of Central Australia. They have a paradoxical significance; often upheld as sacred biblical animals which should not be harmed and at the same time creating massive problems for land management and conservation.

lwana Ken is a camel sculpture expert and here has depicted the camels of old, saddled up and ready for passengers or cargo to carry across the dry interior. These Multi- media sculptures are a fine example of lwana’s innovative and quirky artistic eye.

This item is located at our Melbourne Gallery