Yarrenyty Arltere

Kulila means to listen

Every face has a story, every story has a face: Kulila! is a group of embroidered sculptures made by nine women artists – Dulcie Raggett, Dulcie Sharpe, Marlene Rubuntja, Rhonda Sharpe, Rosabella Ryder, Roxanne Petrick, Roxanne Sharpe, Trudy Inkamala and Valerie Stafford, from the Yarrenyty Arltere Art Centre in Alice Springs. Using embroidery thread, wadding, twigs and dyed blankets, the artists at Yarrenyty Arltere manipulate techniques such as weaving, looping and knotting to create these unique figures.

Yarrenyty Arltere Artists, from the Northern Territory, comprises a dynamic community of artists who work across a range of soft sculptural forms. Originally established in 2000 as a response to the chronic social issues faced by the Larapinta Valley Town Camp community, the Yarrenyty Artlere Art Centre has played an integral role in rebuilding the community.

In the art centre the artists sew and prepare artworks while sharing their stories and culture. Every face has a story, every story has a face:Kulila! is a collaborative installation of life-size self-portraits describing this daily ritual. The distinct technique of dying recycled woollen blankets using local plants and scrap metal not only reflects an economy of means and resourcefulness but offers an insight into the daily lives of the artists. The vivid colours, bold stitching and combination of materials embrace ‘both ways’, of telling the stories of the artists lives. As the artists have said: See these faces, they all have stitches all over them all these stories, markings. That’s what we do, sew and talk and listen and try to make things get better. So, we thought we might make these faces so you can listen, to us, to our stories.

Getting started - Bring the artists into the classroom

Watch the Yarrenyty Arltere Every face has a story, every story has a face: Kulila! video with your students.

  • What features make the sculptures seem happy or sad?
  • What things do you notice that are alike or different about the faces?
  • Explain to a friend which is your favourite and why?
  • The artists responsible for making these sculptures are from in Alice Springs. How far would you need to travel from your home if you were to visit this place?
  • Look closely at the sculptures. Describe how the artists may have made these figures. List the techniques and materials used to create Every face has a story, every story has a face: Kulila!
  • Using Every face has a story, every story has a face. Kulila! as one example, discuss the varitey of art practices in Central Australian Aboriginal art and describe how it has changed over time.

installation view: Tarnanthi 2017, featuring PolyAustralis series by Dean Cross and Every face has a story, every story has a face: Kulila! by Yarrenyty Arltere artists , Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide; photo: Ben Searcy.

  • Research other artists who are from Central Australia. Identify similarities and differences in materials, perspective, colour and line between these artists’ works and Every face has a story, every story has a face: Kulila!
  • Collaborative works of art are common in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Investigate other examples of art collaborations.
  • Research Aboriginal art centres in Central Australia including Yarrenyty Arltere. Explain why such places are important in sustaining culture, stories and languages? Research other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists who have created portraits or figurative sculptures. Perhaps begin with Hayley Coulthard (Hermannsburg Potters), Julie Dowling, Ricky Maynard and Vincent Namatjira. Discuss the approaches to different techniques and subject matter.
  • Create a self portrait collage using soft materials such as recycled textiles, wool or thread. Layer between adhesive contact and display on the classroom window. (Ideal for early years and primary). You may like to extend this task by using needle and thread, adding buttons, beads or recycled materials destined for landfill, as facial features. Turn your 2D face into 3D by adding a back and stuffing and hang your student portraits in your classroom.
  • The 9 women artists come together to share their ‘everything stories’, talking about good and bad experiences, as well as things they hope for. Sit together with your class and share your stories or goals for the future. While talking and listening to others create a work of art that represents these stories and goals.
  • The artists from Yarrenyty Arltere listen to each other’s stories while creating sculptures. Brainstorm what it means to be a good listener. Give a verbal account of a story from your life that you remember well. In small groups, tell your story to three other people. Rotate through the room so that everyone in the class has an opportunity to listen to others. Create an illustration in response to one of the stories you have listened to.
  • Think about a memory from your childhood: perhaps a holiday with your family or a special moment spent with friends. Using paper, magazines and photographs, create a collage that represents an element of this memory. Collect a range of unwanted clothes or objects from family or friends. Tear, cut, weave and sew these items to create a figurative sculpture that portrays you, your friends or family.

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