Kirritji, Manupa Butler
Acrylic on canvas, 76cm x 76cm
Provenance: Darwin Art Fair, Darwin.
Born at Kunamarra near the Patjarr Community, Manupa Butler, spent time in Warburton before returning to her home country. Her works pass her stories onto her children and the next generation of the Community (1). Not only a painter, Butler, also works with the Tjanpi Desert Weavers to build on the long tradition of working with natural fibres to create objects for daily and ceremonial use. The Tjanpi Wavers collect grass to sculpt and weave, and in doing so keep their culture strong (2).
From the authenticity certificate: 'Kirritji, which is the long way east of Patjarr Community, amongst spinoff country is a rock hole site. One tingarri man, Purrkulu, throws a spear at Lungkata (the blue tongued lizard) and kills and cooks him, throwing him in the flames and burning his skin off.'