Two Girls from Amoonguna

Featuring new work by Arrernte and Southern Luritja artist Sally M Nangala Mulda and Western Arrarnta artist Marlene Rubuntja, this exhibition encompasses video, bush-dyed, hand-sewn soft sculptures and observationalist paintings, recounting their intertwining stories of friendship and resilience. 

The centrepiece is an animated work titled Arrkutja Tharra, Kungka Kutjara, Two Girls. It delves into the reality of First Peoples’ experiences in Central Australia, chronicling the artists’ successes and struggles.  

The exhibition is a beautiful, poignant and honest portrayal of community life and government control. Arrkutja Tharra, Kungka Kutjara, Two Girls was made in collaboration with Ludo Studio, the Emmy-award winning production company behind Bluey, Robbie Hood and The Strange Chores. 

This is an Artbank+ ACMI co-commission.

About the artists 

Both renowned Town Camp artists, the two friends grew up at the Amoonguna Settlement in Northern Territory. Reconnecting later in life, both had witnessed many hardships.  

Now, having achieved so much, they are immensely proud of one another. Sally and Marlene’s practice is representative of where they live, Mparntwe (Alice Springs). Playful, self-referential and humorous, it embodies the history and rich culture of Mparntwe and its surrounding town camps. 

An ACMI Touring Exhibition. 

Image credit: Sally M Nangala Mulda and Marlene Rubuntja, Arrkutja Tharra, Kungka Kutjara, Two Girls, 2023 (video still).