Sunrise Journeys - Artwork

Ngura Nganampa Wiru Mulapa, Our Country is Truly Beautiful

This piece was co-created by three renowned female Anangu artists, Selina Kulitja (Maruku Arts), Denise Brady (Kaltukatjara Art) and Valerie Brumby (Walkatjara Art) in 2024. Titled “Ngura nganampawiru mulapa” which translates from Pitjantjatjara to "our Country is truly beautiful", the painting was commissioned as part of the ‘Sunrise Journeys’ experience that depicts the artists’ shared connection to Country through laser, light and sound. It is not for sale.

"Our hearts burn with passion to share our Country and knowledge with the world. As the sun rises, we look forward to creating a future together." - Denise Brady.

Sunrise Journeys will transport you through, past present and future as projected light and music moves gently across the landscape. Celebrate a story of love, land and hope, all before breakfast.

Discover the heartfelt meanings and compelling stories behind this beautiful artwork, in the words of the artists.

This is our Country. 
When our grandmothers and grandfathers were living on this land, they walked this Country. 
The lines are the tali, the sandhills, that form the land.
The white dots are karu, creekbeds, where kapi (water) flows after rain across the Country.

Everything comes to life! New life. New dawn. Everything is in harmony.

Kakalyalya (cockatoos), nyii-nyii (finches) and now kamula (camels) lead us to water.
Anywhere in this Country, you will always find kapi tjukula, a waterhole. When the kapi comes, animals and foods come back and everyone gets happy and excited. 
Bush foods can be found everywhere; arnguli (bush plums), kampurarpa (bush tomatoes) and kaliny-kalinypa (honey grevilla). From wangunu grass we grind seeds and make damper.

We gather together at special places across the Country. Nganampa waltjapiti winkinguru, our families from all different places, come together. 
We embrace each other with tears of joy, and sometimes grief. Together we dance, we sing, and heal our spirits. We feel connection in our heart.  
The rain drops represent tears of joy. Our people shared their wisdom and knowledge that are forever in our hearts, from past to future.

Now there are footprints from other places in our camp. We sit together and share food and knowledge. 
We share with love and respect. The fire in our heart remains. Love is a strong teacher. 
We all have mothers, fathers, a family tree; we are all loved and must care for each other in the same way.

The original artwork is available to view at the Gallery of Central Australia (GoCA).