Evelyn Pultara

• Born: c. 1940
• Location: Woodgreen Station, Northern Territory
• Language Group: Anmatyarre

Biography

Evelyn Pultara, an artist of the Anmatyarre language group, was born around 1940 at Woodgreen Station, a cattle property adjoining Utopia Station, near the time of the outbreak of World War II. She is the niece of renowned artist Emily Kngwarreye and the sister of Greeny Purvis Pultara, both of whom share with Evelyn the plant totem of the bush yam. Evelyn is now a senior custodian of the Dreaming of the bush yam.

Evelyn began painting in 1997, initially featuring traditional bush tucker and awelye (women's ceremonial body paint) designs in her work. Over time, she has focused exclusively on painting the bush yam, a significant totem in her culture. Her paintings are said to convey the rhythm and spirit of the yam corroborree.

Evelyn is a reserved and quiet woman who rarely speaks about her work or reveals much about the context of her paintings. Her husband, Clem, also an artist, is more outgoing and often performs the songs that accompany Evelyn's paintings, enhancing the cultural depth of her art.

Artistic Themes

• Bush Yam: Evelyn's work is dedicated to depicting the bush yam, reflecting its significance in her culture and Dreaming stories.

Awards

• 2005 Telstra (NATSIA) Art Award: Evelyn won this prestigious award for one of her paintings depicting the Bush (pencil) Yam.

Collections

Evelyn Pultara's work is included in several prominent collections, such as:

• Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Darwin
• National Gallery of Australia, Canberra
• The Holmes à Court Collection, Perth

Legacy