APY Art Collective x Mud Collaboration: Celebrating Culture and Art
APY ART COLLECTIVE
The Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Art Collective unites Australia's First Nations communities through art, spanning 100,000 square kilometres of remote Central Australia. With ten Indigenous-owned and governed art centres, it fosters cultural resilience and economic independence, prioritising both artists and their communities while preserving traditions.
Aboriginal art offers a profound connection to the world’s oldest living culture, providing a glimpse into the stories, values, and traditions that have been passed down through generations for over 65,000 years. The emotional depth of these artworks transcends explanation; you can feel the heart, wisdom, and love in every brushstroke, tapestry, and sculpture. These works are more than just art—they are windows into the history, spirituality, and landscapes of the Aboriginal people.
The collaboration between Mud Australia and the APY Art Centre Collective is a perfect example of this connection. Through this partnership, we are invited to experience the rich cultural narratives of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in South Australia, where artists transform ancient stories into modern masterpieces.
The Stories Behind the Art
The artworks in this collection are imbued with stories that reflect the relationship between the Aboriginal people and the land. Inawintji Williamson's Kapi Tjukula (Waterholes), 2020, is a striking representation of the sacred connection between waterholes, soakages, and springs in the APY Lands. These water sources are vital to the survival of both the people and their culture, and their stories are inextricably linked with cultural law, passed down from one generation to the next.
Another captivating work is Nyunmiti Burton’s Kungkarangkalpa (Seven Sisters), 2020. This piece tells the mythological story of the Pleiades constellation, known to the Aboriginal people as the Seven Sisters, and their eternal pursuit by the star Orion, embodied in the figure of Nyiru. The celestial narrative unfolds through the artwork, capturing the timeless tale of the sisters' escape into the sky to evade Nyiru’s unwanted attention. Burton’s portrayal is not just a representation of the stars but a retelling of an ancient legend that continues to resonate deeply with her people.
A Collaboration Rooted in Sustainability
This collection, released in celebration of NAIDOC Week 2020, represents more than just art. It is part of a larger ongoing collaboration between Mud Australia and the APY Art Collective, where 80% of the proceeds go directly to the artists, ensuring they benefit from the sale of their work. The partnership celebrates not only the artists' cultural heritage but also the values of sustainability and ethical production.
Mud Australia, known for its dedication to sustainability, ensures that every piece is crafted with care for both the environment and the communities they work with. The sustainability practices behind this collaboration align with the deep respect for the land that is central to Aboriginal culture. The combination of thoughtfully made ceramic objects from Mud Australia with the vibrant storytelling of the APY artists creates a collection that is as responsible as it is beautiful.
A Timeless Journey Through Art
These artworks are more than just visual expressions; they invite us into the ongoing story of the Aboriginal people. Through their art, we are reminded of the enduring connection between culture, land, and community—a connection that spans tens of thousands of years. The collaboration between Mud Australia and the APY Art Collective allows these stories to reach new audiences, creating a space where ancient traditions meet modern creativity.
While the initial collection has sold out, you can follow updates on future releases, ensuring that more people have the opportunity to engage with this meaningful and powerful art. Each purchase supports not only the preservation of Aboriginal art but also the artists who continue to pass down their stories through their work.
WEBSITE | https://www.apyartcentrecollective.com/
INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/apy_ac_collective
EMAIL | admin@apyacc.com
