Puli Puli (Rocks) by Keturah Zimran

Keturah depicts the puli puli (rocks) at two different sites. She paints the landscapes at Haasts Bluff where she grew up and also at Karrkurrutintja (Lake McDonald in Pintupi), located west of Kintore along the WA/NT border. Karrkurrutintja country is an important site of the Pilkati (snake) Tjukurrpa (dreaming) of Kaniya Kutjarra (two carpet snakes, two brothers, two Tjangalas).

This story was passed down to her from her grandmother, Narputta Nangala Jugadai, who was born there. Narputta was passed down this story from her father, Talaku Tjampitjinpa. Both Keturah’s grandmother and mother, Molly Jugadai painted this same country. Keturah has been inspired by the painting legacy and tutorage from her grandmother and mother, though has developed a distinctive style over her practice. Keturah uses different colours and hues to depict the ways the puli puli change colours with the weather, especially at sunrise and sunset. “The sand hills I paint are my mother’s story and the rocks I paint are my own story. My paintings are about my story and my mother’s…I like to paint; painting helps me forget my troubles. I paint every day. My Grandmother used to say to me when I was younger: “One day you will paint.”

The sand hills I paint are my mother’s story and the rocks I paint are my own story. My paintings are about my story and my mother’s…I like to paint; painting helps me forget my troubles.”