One of Twelve Waran tie by Minyawe Miller

The rhythmic linear dotting in this work represents the tali (sandhills) of the area surrounding Waran. This significant site sits within Minyawe Miller’s ngurra (home Country).

Miller travelled vast stretches of Martu Country with his family during pujiman (traditional, bush dwelling) times. They traversed the expansive sandhill country between water sources, hunting and gathering bush foods along the way. Rock holes, soaks, springs and waterholes were of vital importance to Martu people in the pujiman era; knowledge of their whereabouts being essential to survival. Specific sites were visited according to the wet or dry seasons and the availability of resources.

In this work, Miller’s use of negative space evokes the long, sharp shadows that announce the days end in the desert. Miller’s restricted colour palette and sparing dot work conjures what could as easily be a starry night sky as a series of shifting sandhills, glinting in the dying light.