Super Kaylene Whiskey

Contemporary artist Kaylene Whiskey is a Yankunytjatjara woman of the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, who lives and works in Indulkana, South Australia. Words in Aṉangu, Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara languages can be seen throughout Whiskey’s practice.

“I’m a Yankunytjatjara woman and I love sharing my language and cultural stories! Here are some of the words that I use every day.”

“Ngayulu kungka Yankunytjatjara mununa ngayulu muku-ringanyi ngayuku wangka munu ngayuku tjukurpa uti kanyintjaku. Nyangatja ngayuku wangka tjuṯa ngayulu rawangku wangkapai.” Kaylene Whiskey

This glossary includes the Aṉangu, Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara words contained within Whiskey’s artworks on display in the National Portrait Gallery’s Super Kaylene Whiskey exhibition. Click on the buttons below to listen to these words being pronounced by artists and language experts Trisha Singer and Sallyanne Roberts.

This language resource was developed in partnership with Iwantja Arts, an Indigenous owned and governed Aboriginal art centre in Indulkana.

Trisha Singer and Sallyanne Roberts worked with Iwantja Arts and the National Portrait Gallery as language experts. Whiskey’s quote has been translated by artist and interpreter Valerie Cullinan.

Trisha Singer is a Yankunytjatjara woman, artist and cultural leader within the Indulkana community. Her mother Kunmanara (Sadie) Singer is the co-founder of Iwantja Arts, where Trisha continues to paint today. Trisha is an active member of the Indulkana community. She assists in the coordination of the language program at the local school and has previously worked at the health clinic.

Sallyanne Roberts is a Pitjantjatjara woman and artist working at Iwantja Arts. Sallyanne grew up on her grandmother Kunmanara (Wingu) Tingima’s Country near Nyapari in the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands. Her grandmother was a ngangkari (traditional healer) and celebrated artist. Taught by her grandmother, Sallyanne paints Kura Ala Country, a special women’s-only place for inma (ceremonies) and a space for healing.