WATI NYIRUNYA, 2007

Important Aboriginal Works of Art
Melbourne
25 May 2016
93

HARRY TJUTJUNA

born c.1930
WATI NYIRUNYA, 2007

synthetic polymer paint on linen

152.0 x 130.0 cm

bears inscription verso: artist’s name, title and Ernabella Arts cat. HT069-07

Estimate: 
$5,000 – 7,000
Sold for $6,710 (inc. BP) in Auction 43 - 25 May 2016, Melbourne
Provenance

Ernabella Arts, South Australia
Marshall Arts, Adelaide
Private collection, Adelaide

Catalogue text

This work is accompanied by a certificate from Ernabella arts which states: ‘this work is about Wati Nyirunya, the man named Nyiru, who chases the seven sisters (kungkarangkalpa) in the much painted creation story about the Pleiades constellation. In the course of his adventures the man undergoes many form and name changes. One thing remains constant, his rampant desire for the sisters and blatant sexuality. The circles are women and the long lines are his spears.’