Jan Murphy Gallery proudly presents Walawuru Tjukurpa – Story of the Eagles, a solo exhibition by esteemed senior Pitjantjatjara artist Iluwanti Ken.
Known for her intricate large-scale ink drawings, Iluwanti Ken uses punu sticks to depict Walawuru (eagles) and other birds in richly detailed scenes that express her Tjukurpa (Anangu cultural law and storytelling). Her work explores themes of kinship, protection, and the natural world, particularly through the lens of birdlife, where eagles and swallows offer lessons on care, strength, and family.
“This is my Tjukurpa and my children’s Tjukurpa – it is a big story from my father’s Country at Alkara, near Wattaru. It teaches us how to care for our families, just like the mother and father eagle do.” – Iluwanti Ken
This exhibition includes a new series of paintings and ceramics that honour Country, culture, and the intergenerational stories passed through family.
About the Artist
Born in 1944, Iluwanti Ken lives and works in Amata in the APY Lands of South Australia. Her work has been recognised nationally, with awards including the 2020 Telstra NATSIAA Works on Paper Award. She has exhibited at the NGV Triennial, Tarnanthi Festival, and TarraWarra Biennial, and is represented in major public collections including the NGA, AGSA, NGV, QAGOMA, Artbank, and the Singapore Art Museum.
