Ikuntji Artists was the first art centre established by women in the Western Desert Art Movement. Already in the 1980s women began painting in Haasts Bluff in the aged care facility. They had been instructed by their husbands and fathers, and they had often assisted them in completing their paintings. By the early 1990s these women artists decided to pursue setting up their own art centre.
Ikuntji Artists was first established in 1992, after a series of workshops, and under the influence of the then community president, the late Esther Jugadai. The art centre was initially set up to fulfil the role of women’s centre providing services such as catering for old people and children in the community. After first experiences made in printing T-shirts, the artists began producing acrylic paintings on linen and handmade paper, which quickly gained the attention of the Australian and international art world as well as earning the centre an impressive reputation for fine art. The focus changed from a women’s centre to an art centre in 2005 with the incorporation of the art centre as Ikuntji Artists Aboriginal Corporation.
Today Ikuntji Artists are represented in many national and international galleries and institutions. Their art is famous for bold colour choice, decisive brush strokes and a long legacy of internationally renowned artists.
Я просто фанатею от художников Икунтиджи, настолько творческие ребята, я увешал ихними работами полдома, пью пиво и вспоминаю потрясающее путешествие. Следующий раз я сделаю у вас спецзаказ, закажу арт с Владимиром Путиным убивающего копьем старого самоходного Джо. Ребята, вы супер.
The best Art Shops in the NT. Unique art and products made directly for the art store. I visited the art center last week and bought a limited edition coffee cup only sold in person at the center. Bonus is the drive out to Haast Bluff where the center is located. Also worth the trip as the community recently erected a mammoth cross on Memory Mountain just outside of Haast Bluff
Thank you! Chrischona & the admin team from Ikuntji Artists. My order arrived in Singapore promptly. I now own a unique piece of beautiful Lake Mackay-Selleck shirt by artist Zakius Jack. Proudly wore it to National Gallery Singapore exhibition: Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia. A fitting tribute to works and celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, culture.
What an experience, apparently one of the worst roads in Australia to drive on and it definitely felt that way, so be prepared, its a tough drive, but I really wanted some fabric and I and my husband were determined to make it happen. Chrischona was full of information and was very happy to chat with me about the fabulous artists and the wonderful things they are doing to promote this beautiful art to the world.What an experience, something we will remember forever and I can’t wait to create a beautiful piece of clothing from my Alice Nampitjinpa rock holes fabric!
Ikuntji Artists were helpful and easy to work with to get the chosen art work shipped to me. The artist has created an amazing piece and I'm proud to display it. You will not be disappointed with their selection and their service. ''Yalka at Karinyarra" -
I am a huge fan of this Ikuntiji Artists and cannot get enough of their artwork. My sofa is covered in their cushions and a blanket and I now have three artworks on my walls. The art centre is also great to deal with. You won't be disappointed if you choose to support this not-for-profit art centre.
I was given a metre of Rockholes fabric as a present but it was too beautiful to cut up! I had it stretched on a frame and now it hangs in our hallway. The lively colours and shapes make me happy whenever I walk past.