Bugai Whylouter
Born about 1940’s
Warnman, Kartujarra language groups, Purungu skin group
Kunawarritji Community
Martumili Artists
I saw whitefellas first in Parnngurr. We were climbing up the hills [to get away from them].
Bugai was born at Balfour Downs Station and grew up around Kartarru (Well 24), Wantili (Well 25) Tiwa (Well 26) and Wuranu (Well 29). She travelled around Karlamilyi with her husband, and later walked with drovers along the stock route. In 1963 her family met the surveyor Len Beadell. After her experience with drovers, Bugai taught relatives how to cook the flour he gave them.
Minyipuru Claypan
2007, by Bugai Whylouter
acrylic on canvas, 93×65 cm
Martumili Artists
National Museum of Australia
This painting represents the Country where Bugai grew up. It shows some of the places where the Minyipuru or Seven Sisters rested on their journeys in the Jukurrpa (Dreamtime). Before reaching Pangkapini, they travelled from Wantili claypan near Well 25 to Tiwa (Well 26) and then flew on to Juntujuntu, a permanent water next to Well 30.
