Fiona Pompey

Fiona has described this painting as ‘walka’. It has no specific title but it follows the tradition of walka paintings in that it is inspired by the rich tradition of Aboriginal culture, and connection to country and reflects images of the desert landscape through pattern and colour. Patterning and earthy colours reflect images such as leaves, flowers, seed pods, sand ridges and sandhills etc. The distinctive Walka style developed out of the tradition of telling stories by drawing in the sand – known as Milpatjunany. Making marks in the sand is a way of passing on traditional knowledge about law and culture as well as about the country and daily life. Walka is the name given to imagery that is secular and with emphasis on design. Characteristics of the ‘walka’ include patterning often with repetition of shapes and a symmetrical composition. The desert landscape is a constant source of inspiration for artists. Spectacular and ancient landforms, images of the bush, and vibrant colours are reflected through artwork. This unique place is the Pitjantjatjara/Yankunytjatjara Lands in the far north of South Australia.