Maringka Tunkin facts for kids
Maringka Tunkin (born in 1959) is an amazing Pitjantjatjara artist. She comes from Central Australia.
Contents
About Maringka Tunkin
Maringka Tunkin was born in 1959. Her birthplace was Mulga Park. This area is in the south-west of the Northern Territory. It is close to the border of South Australia.
Her father is Mick Wikilyiri. He is a traditional owner of Tjala (Honey Ant) Country. This means he cares for the land and its stories. Maringka's mother, Paniny Mick, is also an artist. She creates beautiful things. Her art includes punu (wood carving), batik, and weaving.
Her Art Career
Maringka Tunkin is part of a special art style. It is called Western Desert art. Artists in this style often work together. They mostly create paintings.
The Ken Sisters
Maringka is part of a family art group. They are called the Ken Sisters. The group includes Maringka and her sisters. These are Tingila Yaritji Young, Freda Brady, Sandra Ken, and Tjungkara Ken.
They started working together about 20 years ago. Their first group name was Minymaku Arts. This name means "belonging to women." It was a group of artists from Amata. This town is in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands.
Today, Maringka's art is shown by the APY Art Centre Collective. She also speaks up for artists. She helps protect them from unfair art dealers.
Awards and Recognition
The Ken Sisters group won a big award in 2016. It was the Wynne Prize. They won it for their painting called Seven Sisters.
This same artwork also won another award. It was the People's Choice award. This happened at the 35th National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA).
Exhibitions and Collections
Maringka Tunkin's art has been shown in many places. It was at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. It was also at the National Gallery of Australia. Her work was part of their Know My Name exhibition. Her art has also been shown in other countries.
You can find her art in important collections. These include the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Her work is also at the Art Gallery of South Australia.
