Behind the Logos
What inspired these symbols of Ayers Rock Resort?
Colourful design, vibrant whorls and lines, dotted patterns – each of Ayers Rock Resort’s accommodation options has a distinct logo that encompasses elements of traditional Anangu art. Learn more about what inspired each of these special creations that give each of our accommodations its own unique personality.
Sails in the Desert
Parka-Parka by Ronnie Allen, 2008
Ronnie Allen is a senior Pitjantjatjara man from the Northern Territory community of Kaltukatjara (Docker River). He is known for experimenting with variations of traditional forms of carving and his work has been exhibited in the prestigious SOFA exhibition in Chicago, USA. His work has also been represented in the Museum of South Australia in Adelaide.
Ronnie has depicted a place called Ngalyi, a rock hole site near Kunpula outstation, south of Kaltukatjara in the Petermann Ranges. Travelling through this site from Western Australia is Tjukurpa significant for parka-parka, ngyanytja or mistletoe berries. The edible fruit are like tiny red jewels growing on plants that attached themselves to the branches of the quandong and mulga trees. They are important food for emus as well as the Anangu.
As with all living things, parka-parka has its associations with the Tjukurpa, the Creation Ancestors and the activities which shaped the land, the people and their law.
Emu Walk Apartments
Kungkarangkalpa by Rene Kulitja, 2012
Rene grew up in the northern territory range country of South Australia, attending school there before marrying and moving to her husband's country of Docker River (NT). Now based in Mutijulu, she is a committed artist and active community member. As a founding member of Walkatjara Art, her dramatic representation of Uluru flies on a Qantas jet. At various times Rene has been a member of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Board of Joint Management, a director of Ngaayatjara, Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara Women's Council, and Chair of Maruku Arts.
Kungkarangkalpa is the Tjukurpa of the Seven Sisters, concerning a group of women being pursued by a cunning man called Nyiru who attempts to lure them into marriage with him. They travelled through a vast amount of Australia and this painting represents different stages in that journey. Rene’s painting shows the sisters as black circles and Wati Nyiru as a set of concentric circles.
In Kungkarankalpa's escape from Nyiru they stopped to camp, build shelters and hunt for food, thus forming many features of the landscape and embedding the knowledge and survival in it. Eventually they fled into the sky where they became the constellation known as Pleaides or Seven Sisters. Nyiru follows them ceaselessly across the night sky as one of the bright stars in the constellation known as Orion.
The Lost Camel Hotel
Kapi Tjukurla (Waterhole Story) by Kunmanara (Julie Taria) Brumby, 2017
Julie Brumby has painted a vibrant description of her beloved desert landscape, in it the many rolling sand dunes, and most importantly, the waterholes.
The lines in Julie's painting represent the patterns that can be seen in the land - 'tali' sand dunes, and concentric circles linked by lines can represent waterholes and river courses or the travelling and resting places of Creation Ancestors and Anangu.
There are many types of waterholes that Anangu can use and they depend on their intimate knowledge of the environment to know where and when they will find water. Sometimes a soakage will have dried up and the women must use their digging sticks to find water under the surface. They transport it back to their families by carrying it in wooden bowls which are carried on their heads.
Outback Lodge
Ngura - Country by Delma Forbes, 2011
Inspired by the rich tradition of Aboriginal culture, and connection to country, the desert landscape is a constant source of inspiration for artists. Spectacular and ancient landforms, images of the bush, and vibrant colours are interpreted through pattern and colour. This place is the Pitjantjatjara/Yankunytjatjara Lands in the far north of South Australia.
Originally from Blackstone in Western Australia, Delma now lives in Watinuma Community, 25 kilometres from Fregon on the *APY lands. She is married and has a daughter and a young son. She paints at the Kaltjiti Art Centre where she is the current Chairperson and through her work, makes valued contributions to the management of the centre.
*Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara
Ayers Rock Campground
Minyma Kutjara by Maria Stanley, 2012
Maria Stanley tells a story of deep significance to women, containing all metaphorical references to female cycles. It tells of two women travelling north. The pair meet with a group of women, including Kutungu, who are caring for a man who then passes away.
The women travel on to Uluru, where they have encounters with a curious wanampi (serpent), chasing him deep into the ground trying to catch him. They burn their body hair to lure him back out, then hit him on the head and run away.
From afar they throw a manguri (traditional head-ring for carrying) which also hits him. Enraged, the serpent returns, injuring the women. They continue their journey bleeding and injured.
