SEVEN SISTERS, 2014
SYLVIA KANTJUPAI KEN
synthetic polymer paint on linen
121.0 x 300.0 cm
bears inscription verso: artist’s name and Tjala Arts cat. 186-14
Tjala Arts, Amata, South Australia
Outstation Gallery, Darwin
The McKay Superannuation Fund Art Collection, Brisbane
This work is accompanied by a certificate from Tjala Arts which states: ‘This is a Tjukurpa Story (Creation Story) about the constellations of Pleiades and Orion. The sisters are the constellation of Pleiades and the other star Orion is said to be Nyiru or Nyirunya (described as a lusty or bad man). Nyiru is forever chasing the sisters known as the Kunkarunkara women as it is said he wants to marry the eldest sister. Every now and again one of the sisters fall victim to his ways. It is said that he eventually captures the youngest sister, but with the help of the oldest sister, she escapes back to her sisters who are waiting for her. Eventually the sisters fly back into the sky to escape Nyiru, reforming the constellation.’