Manngu – Nest

23 May
25 Jun

Ernabella Arts

A SALON ART PROJECTS EVENT

On exhibition at
PAUL JOHNSTONE GALLERY
2/2 Harriet Place
Darwin

The multi-talented Thompson family from Ernabella Arts and Salon Art Projects present Manngu (meaning “nest” in Pitjantjatjara),  a new exhibition of ceramic vessels inscribed with Tjukurpa about strong culture and family.

The exhibition features works by Carlene Thompson (Matriarch), Marissa Thompson (daughter), Vivian Thompson (daughter), Anne Thompson (daughter) Derek Jungarrayi Thompson (nephew), Janelle Thompson (granddaughter) and Ashan Thompson (grandson).

These new works depict aspects of the Thompson family’s country, the country of the kalaya (emu). The kalaya is known for having many children, like Carlene, who had six children. Images of the Australian bush life such as the gumnut and maku (witchetty grubs) illustrate the strong connection to Country. On some vessels, the use of Terra Sigillata – a natural, watery slip made from clay dug up from areas surrounding Ernabella – emphasises the importance of Country. The depiction of the rainbow serpent, the story of the Seven Sisters and the simple illustration of emerging, young artist Ashan’s perception of Ernabella as his home illustrates the ways culture is being passed on from generation to generation and kept strong in Pukatja.

IMAGE: Derek Jungarrayi Thompson Wanampi / Watersnakes (Rainbow Serpent), 2020, photograph courtesy of Ernabella Arts

Ernabella Artists

Ashan Nyaningu Thompson
Janelle Muwitja Nakamarra Thompson
Derek Jungarrayi Thompson
Marissa Thompson
Anne Thompson
Carlene Thompson
Vivian Thompson

Ceramics