Today, Ralph Hobbs introduces the work of Western Desert artist, Tjawina Porter Nampitjinpa with this beautiful and sophisticated painting that speaks of the landscape of her ancestral lands north of Docker River in Western Australia.

 

Rich in ethnographic iconography, the rhythms and symbols speak of the rituals for living and survival—sand dunes known as 'tali' and rock escarpments known as 'puli', as well as waterholes and food sources. They tell the stories for the devoted custodians of this country and, importantly, expand our perception of this vast land.

 

Click below to see the 1 minute video and images of Tjawina, her country and sketch book documentation by Ralph Hobbs of time spent with the artist in her country.