Painting the Song: Kaltjiti artists of the sand dune country in the Adelaide Advertiser [27.04.2009]
Landmark art book
LOUISE NUNN
April 25, 2009 12:30am
Tjungara George
ABORIGINAL artists from a remote South Australian community are keeping their culture alive with a landmark book of vibrant art depicting their stories and country.
Painting the Song: Kaltjiti artists of the sand dune country is the first book on art from the Pitjantjatjara lands of northwest South Australia.
It was launched in Adelaide this week with a celebratory inma performed by artists from Kaltjiti (Fregon), in the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara (PY) lands.
Eleven artists made the 16-hour road journey to present the traditional dance and song ceremony at Flinders University City Gallery.
It is hosting a major exhibition featuring works from the book.
Diana James, the book's author and exhibition curator, said Kaltjiti Arts was "a centre of hope".
"Media reports on the APY (Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara) lands are very often negative," Ms James said. "This arts centre has been operating for 34 years. It's owned and run by the artists and is one of the most constant sources of employment and enjoyment."
Ms James said Kaltjiti artists sold their work around the world. The arts centre catered for tourists and people in the trade.
"It started out as a tin shed," she said. "Now it's two big tin sheds."
Kaltjiti's first arts adviser from 1975 to '76, Ms James has worked in the region for 30 years.
The artists asked the Pitjantjatjara speaker to record their history and culture for future generations.
"I think it will significantly put Kaltjiti Arts on the map and begin to explain to the public the regions behind the art," she said.
The exhibition of 37 paintings and 18 objects and prints by 25 artists runs until May 3.
Painting the Song: Kaltjiti artists of the sand dune country is published by McCulloch & McCulloch/Kaltjiti Arts. RRP $59.95.
