Francie Ingkatji, Tjukula(Waterholes), 85x75cm

• Aboriginal Artist - Francie Ingkatji
• Community - Ernabella
• Aboriginal Art Centre - Iwiri Arts 
• Catalogue number - 173-22
• Materials - Acrylic paint on canvas
• Size(cm) - H85 W75 D2
• Postage variants - Artwork posted un-stretched and rolled for safe shipping
• Orientation - Painted from all sides and OK to hang as wished

For the Pitjantjatjara people living in the desert, knowledge of their water sources was critical to their survival. This resulted in an intimate understanding of the landscape which continues today. Water is an essential element in the desert. These rock holes were particularly important during the dry season when most of the water holes and creeks dried up. Deep familiarity with the topography of their country and the way rain would interact with the land ensured constant sources of water could be found. 'Tjukula' means rock-holes, which are found with surprising frequency in the Musgrave ranges. Between visits, Anangu (people) would use rocks and spinifex construction to guard these against spoilage by animals and, particularly in more recent times, from feral and stock animals, cattle, camels, horses, and donkeys.

Francie was born in Alice Springs and grew up in Ernabella. Francie's father, Gordon Ingkatji, was Ernabella's 'number one' storyteller and well-known artist. Francie first started painting with him at Nyapari before they moved to Ernabella. Francie is determined to continue her father’s legacy and follow in his artistic footsteps. Francie now lives in Ernaballa and paints at Iwiri when she's in Adelaide.

Iwiṟi was established by Aṉangu in 2018, many of whom had been forced to move to Adelaide due to chronic health conditions and lack of services in their home communities. Living far from their traditional homelands, Anangu were concerned about the cultural and social isolation they were experiencing and saw a need to act.  Iwiri was formed initially to help retain, promote and transmit Anangu culture and language through the areas of arts, language, knowledge and community. Since then Iwiṟi has grown rapidly into an organization that delivers  a range of programs that aim to strengthen and advance Aṉangu wellbeing.

Iwiri strengthens the Aṉangu community through cultural and arts activities, creating employment opportunities and enterprise development. We want our young people to be strong in their language and culture and to take up opportunities to work in our community.