Nyurpaya Kaika Burton facts for kids

Nyurpaya Kaika Burton OAM is an amazing artist and teacher from Central Australia. She lives in a special area called the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands. She was even given a special award called the Order of Australia Medal for her important work!

About Nyurpaya Kaika Burton

Early Life and Art

Nyurpaya Kaika Burton was born in 1949 near a place called Atila, close to Mount Conner. She grew up in a community known as Pukatja/Ernabella.

Nyurpaya is very talented and creates art in many ways. She makes beautiful paintings, weaves amazing things, and even creates large art displays called installations.

For 15 years, she was also a dedicated teacher, helping young people learn. She has held important leadership roles, like being a director for the Amata Council and the NPY Women's Council. She has also been a director for a long time at Tjala Arts, which is an art center.

Nyurpaya also works hard to protect artists. She speaks up against people who might try to cheat artists or sell their art unfairly. She continues to create art at Tjala Arts in the Amata community. Her art is shown by groups like the APY Art Centre Collective and Tjanpi Desert Weavers.

Awards and Recognition

In 2020, Nyurpaya Kaika Burton received a very special honor: the Medal of the Order of Australia. This award recognizes her important contributions to the country.

She also won a First Nations Media award in 2020 for her radio show called Ngayulu manta pampura. She has also been a finalist many times in the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award, which is a big art competition.

Nyurpaya's artwork is kept in important collections. You can find her pieces at the National Gallery of Victoria and the Museum of Contemporary Art.