Ampilatwatja Aboriginal Art

Ampilatwatja (pronounced um-bludder-witch) is the largest of three communities under the Aherrenge Aboriginal Association in Central Australia. It is located in the Northern Territory about 320 km north-east of Alice Springs. The Aboriginal artists of Ampilatwatja form part of the Alywarr language group.

In 1999, a community arts centre was established, under the banner Artists of Ampilatwatja. This has provided the community with the means to increase economic opportunities, while at the same time reinforcing the value of the Alywarr culture.

Ampilatwatja paintings maintain a strong focus on Alywarr lore, with a particular emphasis on the natural landscape. The artists’ work is distinguished by the microcosmic detail invested in elements of landscape, all of which is marked out in the finest of dot painting, using a rich palette of colours. Today Ampilatwatja artists exhibit widely, and are recognised as a distinct Aboriginal art group, vibrant and creative, within the Central Desert art movement.

Ampilatwatja Artists – Exhibition
Living in the Natural World – Exhibition