Waltja Irititja Munu Waltja Kuwaritja — Family, Past and Present.
This original painting by Kelly Taylor shares the story of family life on Country across generations, honouring those who came before us, those who walk beside us today, and those who will carry culture into the future.
Across the painting, waterholes and rockholes represent important gathering places where families meet, rest, collect water and reconnect with one another. The flowing tracks between camps symbolise journeys across Country and the connections between communities.
Campsites and campfires show families sitting together sharing stories, laughter and knowledge passed down through Elders. Nearby, women perform Inma, sharing Tjukurpa (Dreaming) stories through dance and song, while Ngangkari, traditional healers, sit at the campfire representing healing and spiritual wellbeing.
The black footprints honour loved ones who have passed away, acknowledging that although they are no longer physically with us, their spirit continues to walk with us on Country.
Scenes of daily life are also shown through symbols of bush foods such as honey ants, witchetty grubs, wild onions and quandongs. The coolamon and digging stick represent women’s work in gathering and preparing food, reflecting survival, knowledge and the continuation of culture.
The shelter, or humpy, represents home and protection, while flowing lines across the painting symbolise the cool breeze moving through the land. The detailed dot work represents the Country itself — the land that holds our stories, memories and sacred sites that must be respected and protected.
Waltja Irititja Munu Waltja Kuwaritja honours family across time, past, present and future.
The artwork is hand signed by the artist and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
