Artwork of Central Australia

As a member of the Walpiri tribe of Central Australia, Maureen Hudson Nampitjinpa was raised in an environment rich in ceremony and meaning.

“We used to watch and get involved when we were little kids. We’d get painted for ceremonies and that sort of thing. We were taught about the designs and what it means and what it’s called; it’s explained to us by parents or aunties.”

Taking inspiration from the desert environment, Maureen takes pride in explaining her work and culture to people, which has made her a popular participant in the Artist-in-Residence program, at Ayers Rock Resort in the Red Centre.

Held at the Desert Oak Studio at Ayers Rock Resort, the Artist-in-Residence program provides a unique opportunity to meet and watch talented artists at work. During March and April, it will feature prominent Australian artist Heather Duff, showcasing her forte in acrylic paints through dramatic Australian landscapes. Her instinctive focus on light, colour and texture in her subjects – Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and Uluru (Ayers Rock) – creates an emotional and thought-provoking collection.

At the Desert Oak Studio, you can also view an extensive range of Central Australian Indigenous art, including Central Desert dot painting from Papunya and Mt Allen, colourful body art from Utopi, and artefacts such as Punu.

Crafted by the local Indigenous women, Punu are made using native tree roots and basic hand tools which are then decorated with walka (burnt patterns) representing natural animal markings. You will also find a large collection of Punu at the Maruku Arts Centre in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. The Centre assists local Indigenous artists in marketing and distributing their traditional art pieces.