Bush Tucker Dreamingby June Sultan Napanga

June Sultan Napanga was born in 1954 at Neutral Junction, near Barrow Creek in Central Australia. She is a Kaytetye speaker.

June began painting in the 1980’s after her brother Reg Sultan, as accomplished artist encouraged her to do so. June is an independent artist who takes extreme pride in her artwork. Her paintings are known for their precision for detail. Her paintings all depict traditional bush tucker themes which are associated with Aboriginal culture. June is not afraid to use bright colours such as pinks and blues for her backgrounds, creating an interesting mix of traditional depictions with modern colours. June’s artworks have been very helpful to schools and educational programs in teaching children about traditional aboriginal food sources and aboriginal iconography.

One of the paintings still available by June Sultan through Central Art depicts bush berries, witchetty grubs and honey ants. With the women using traditional hunting and gathering implements to collect the bush tucker for the clan.

June has been working with Central Art since 2007 and we were extremely excited to include June in our 2008/2009 exhibition titled “Self Representing Artists”. I enjoy working with June; she is an independent artist who often sells her paintings directly to tourists. I have always supported her to be in control of her art and have had been available should she seek advice and support. June enjoys painting and in her own words, “It keeps me sane and connected to my culture and country”.

June currently lives in Alice Springs with her children. She continues to paint as a hobby and source of income for her family. She continues to be in control of her artwork and career.

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