MARUKU ARTS

Maruku Arts meaning ‘belonging to black’ is owned and operated by Anangu people from the Western and Central Deserts of Australia. As one of the largest art centres, approximately 500 Anangu artists are part of the collective. Artists at Maruku are particularly well known for their punu (living wood) – expertly carved wooden objects. Maruku aims to share knowledge with future generations of artists and make culture accessible in an authentic way for those that seek a more in-depth understanding. Traditional punu- making has been passed down from generation to generation for thousands of years. Punu are not made only as artefacts, but as living expressions of Country.

For the Revealed Exhibition, two Minyma Yarnangu women from the Ngaanyatjarra speaking Western Desert area handcrafted sleek and contemporary wooden sculptures. They carry the story of Minyma Kutjara and of Cynthia Burke’s Kapi Tjukurla. These works showcase simple and sophisticated use of materials, textures, and burned etching.

Cynthia Burke

Lena Dawson