138-25 – Wiltji – GENEVIEVE JAMES

Artist : GENEVIEVE JAMES
Title : Wiltji
Size/Medium : 457 x 305mm: acrylic on linen Painting

BIOGRAPHY

Genevieve was born in Derby in 1984. She grew up in Balgo and has lived here ever since. Genevieve is the granddaughter artist Eubena Nampitjin (dec), and niece of Jane Gimme, senior artist and director of Warlayirti Artists.

Genevieve paints her grandmother’s Country Kunawarritji, Well 33 on the Canning Stock Route. Genevieve is a dedicated emerging artists, she began painting in 2000 developing her bring and playful depictions of bush tucker and hunting.

Genevieve has two children, a son and daughter.

PAINTING’S STORY

This is an old story given to Genevieve by her great great Grandmother on her mothers side about the water that didn’t go away.

Wiitji is the name given to the holes in the rock in this location on the Canning Stock Route, in the Great Sandy Desert, about 10km east of Well 33.

People have been visiting this place for a long time. It is an area where water pools and can’t run off.

When people go there they have to go with leaves and sweep them side to side in a similar motion that people use in sorry time (mourning).

This is important to let the country know you’re back to visit your homeland. If there are no visitors there will be no water.