ROBERT PURUNTATAMERI | Rangani 2024 (aerial view)
16 works - Variable sizes Woodfired stoneware , celadon glaze with iron oxide painting “I come from Rangani, that is north western Melville Island . Making this work I reflect who I am , who my family are and our dances our names and identities. Myself and my sisters , brother, nieces nephews , all My children. - kirrilima, jungle fowl dreaming is our dance, owl is our protector, Barra, bream, mangrove Jack, salmon,jewfish, queen fish, trevally, stingray, sea turtle, carpet snake and goanna. I paint these designs for family identities and together we stay as strong Tiwi. This is my tribute and memory of my father , Edward, Eddie, the first potter here. He made pots this way, throwing clay on his wheel while we kids watched. He loved to fire in a wood firing kiln taking a long time. I hope one of my kids will be inspired to carry on.” Robert Puruntatameri 2024 "Following the 2023 workshop at Geoff Crispin Pottery in Grafton, these sixteen celadon vessels were reassembled and grouped by Robert Puruntatameri to form a remarkable single work. It is a visual statement about Rangani, his own lands. Robert Puruntatameri is the Traditional Owner of Rangani, and in his own words, 'I am Rangani'. His own Tiwi family is represented in each vessel, with their identities elegantly painted to signify the animal, fish, or bird persona, their song or dance. Robert Puruntatameri is determined and hopeful that this work will remain as one for the future.” Jennifer Isaacs AM 2024
16 works - Variable sizes Woodfired stoneware , celadon glaze with iron oxide painting “I come from Rangani, that is north western Melville Island . Making this work I reflect who I am , who my family are and our dances our names and identities. Myself and my sisters , brother, nieces nephews , all My children. - kirrilima, jungle fowl dreaming is our dance, owl is our protector, Barra, bream, mangrove Jack, salmon,jewfish, queen fish, trevally, stingray, sea turtle, carpet snake and goanna. I paint these designs for family identities and together we stay as strong Tiwi. This is my tribute and memory of my father , Edward, Eddie, the first potter here. He made pots this way, throwing clay on his wheel while we kids watched. He loved to fire in a wood firing kiln taking a long time. I hope one of my kids will be inspired to carry on.” Robert Puruntatameri 2024 "Following the 2023 workshop at Geoff Crispin Pottery in Grafton, these sixteen celadon vessels were reassembled and grouped by Robert Puruntatameri to form a remarkable single work. It is a visual statement about Rangani, his own lands. Robert Puruntatameri is the Traditional Owner of Rangani, and in his own words, 'I am Rangani'. His own Tiwi family is represented in each vessel, with their identities elegantly painted to signify the animal, fish, or bird persona, their song or dance. Robert Puruntatameri is determined and hopeful that this work will remain as one for the future.” Jennifer Isaacs AM 2024
16 works - Variable sizes Woodfired stoneware , celadon glaze with iron oxide painting “I come from Rangani, that is north western Melville Island . Making this work I reflect who I am , who my family are and our dances our names and identities. Myself and my sisters , brother, nieces nephews , all My children. - kirrilima, jungle fowl dreaming is our dance, owl is our protector, Barra, bream, mangrove Jack, salmon,jewfish, queen fish, trevally, stingray, sea turtle, carpet snake and goanna. I paint these designs for family identities and together we stay as strong Tiwi. This is my tribute and memory of my father , Edward, Eddie, the first potter here. He made pots this way, throwing clay on his wheel while we kids watched. He loved to fire in a wood firing kiln taking a long time. I hope one of my kids will be inspired to carry on.” Robert Puruntatameri 2024 "Following the 2023 workshop at Geoff Crispin Pottery in Grafton, these sixteen celadon vessels were reassembled and grouped by Robert Puruntatameri to form a remarkable single work. It is a visual statement about Rangani, his own lands. Robert Puruntatameri is the Traditional Owner of Rangani, and in his own words, 'I am Rangani'. His own Tiwi family is represented in each vessel, with their identities elegantly painted to signify the animal, fish, or bird persona, their song or dance. Robert Puruntatameri is determined and hopeful that this work will remain as one for the future.” Jennifer Isaacs AM 2024
