Munupi Arts & Crafts Association
Alison Puruntatameri
Australia
Alison paints using natural ochres that she mixes and applies using a pwoja, the
traditional Tiwi comb-like painting tool. She took up painting at the suggestion
of her grandfather, Justin Puruntatameri (deceased), a senior law man and
artist. He knew all the old songs and told stories of visits to the Tiwi Islands by
Macassan fishermen from across the sea. She would listen to his stories of his
paintings at Munupi Art Centre and on Country.
Alison’s series of paintings titled ‘Winga’ (sea/saltwater) depict the tidal
movement of waters in and around the seas and creeks of the Tiwi Islands. The
movement of water influences fishing and hunting opportunities while also
transforming the land by changing the coastal topography. Tidal surges are at
their most powerful during king tides in the wet season. Puruntatameri has a
strong bond to the waters surrounding the Tiwi Islands, forged by a lifetime
encircled by the Arafura Sea.