Kurtal
Mr (Ngarralja Tommy) MAY: artist
This painting has song and story, singing and dancing. And Inarra. This is Kurtal, my place in the Great Sandy Desert. I grew up in this country, walking with my family. This is the digging, singing, and dancing that happens when the waterhole is dug, to bring the rain. Its a ceremony for digging the Jila and bringing the rain. On and on, this story has been told and passed on. There's only three of us now, who were taught by the old people, po’bulla (poor fella)
Title
Kurtal
Artist/Maker and role
Mr (Ngarralja Tommy) MAY: artist
Date
2017
Medium
acrylic paint and drawing into enamel on tin
Measurements
60.0 x 80.0 cm
Credit line
Purchased through The Art Gallery of Western Australia Foundation: COVID-19 Arts Stimulus Package, 2020
© Mr (Ngarralja Tommy) MAY / Copyright Agency Ltd
The State Art Collection, The Art Gallery of Western Australia
Accession number
2020/0306
View all works by Mr (Ngarralja Tommy) MAY (Australian, b.1935, d.2022)
This is one of the paintings in our collection.
Subject Auto Tags
Rectangle
Glove
Cap
Sleeve
Font
Electric blue
Personal protective equipment
Carmine
Fashion accessory
Sportswear