Nyanu Watson- Tjulpu (Birds)

Nyanu Watson loves to paint Tjulpu (birds). She depicts birds found in the Pipalyatjara and Kalka areas that are important to local Tjukurpa dreaming. Nyanu creates stories for the characters in her work; they represent families—husbands, wives, and tjitji (children). As she paints, she tells stories of family life: sharing food, looking for water, and caring for young ones. This painting shows two tjulpu, a husband and wife.

Born at a rockhole at Mt. Aloysius, close to the tri-state border, Nyanu Watson spent her early years growing up in Pukatja (Ernabella), where she witnessed the changes brought about by the missionaries. During the Homelands movement, when Anangu (people in Pitjantjatjara) began to return to their country, Nyanu moved back to Kalka. She became a prominent member of the Kalka Community, where she lived with her family and painted with Ninuku Arts. Since 2018, Nyanu has resided at Mutitjulu Aged Care and now paints with Walkatjara Art.

“Nyanu is an established exhibiting artist known for her unusual depictions of various animals found in the surrounding district where she lives. She uses a combination of brushwork and dotting to create the highly stylized and unique creatures for which she has become known. Some of her favorites include Ngintaka (Lizard), Anumara (Caterpillar), and Kakalyalya (Cockatoo).” — Ninuku Arts

Nyanu often paints Tjulpu (birds) and has mentioned that when she depicts two together, they represent husband and wife—love birds.

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