Pantitji Lionel
Pantjiti Lionel, a senior and innovative painter and fibre artist, creates unique figures and animals, much like her sister, Niningka Lewis. Her exceptional works have been showcased in numerous exhibitions with Tjampi and Ernabella Art, where she resides in the eastern APY Lands. Pantjiti has passed her extensive knowledge to her daughter, Yurpiya Lionel.
Born around 1930 at a significant sacred site east of Kanpi, SA, Pantjiti's heritage is deeply rooted in the land. Her mother was a Ngaanyatjarra woman from WA, and her family later moved to the Presbyterian Mission at Pukatja (Ernabella, SA) during her childhood. They lived in wiltja (grass shelters), frequently moving around the mission.
Pantjiti's paintings explore themes such as the man Goanna, Kungkarangkalpa (Seven Sisters), Mai putitja (bush foods), and Itjari-itjari (Marsupial Mouse). Her works are included in prestigious collections such as Artbank, Flinders University Art Museum, and the Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA)
