Kutuwulumi Purawarrumpatu, Kitty Kutuwulumi Kantilla

Place: Piripumawu

Born: 1928

Death: 2003

Biography:

Kitty Kantilla (also known as Kutuwulumi Purawarrumpatu) was a renowned Aboriginal artist from the Tiwi Islands of the Northern Territory, Australia. She worked in various media, including carved ironwood sculptures, tunga (bark baskets), painting on paper, canvas, and prints. Born around 1928 in Piripumawu, Cape Keith, Melville Island, she grew up traditionally eating bush foods, living under paperbark shelters, and speaking 'old' Tiwi. She was a founding member of the Jilamara Arts & Crafts Association and is best known for her ochre paintings on paper, canvas, bark, and ironwood, incorporating traditional geometric designs. Her work is represented in most major Australian galleries, and she featured in the prestigious Clemenger Art Award during her lifetime.