ALEC PULA LEWIS

Alec was born at McDonald Downs Station in 1963. Growing up he did not attend school. His family lived traditionally on the land, and moved between different communities.

 

Alec now lives in Ampilatwatja with his wife Elizabeth Ngwarraye Bonney, who is also a painter. To ensure continuation of culture Alec passes his knowledge of the land to his children and family. Alec paints his mother’s country, Amaroo Station.

The community of Ampilatwatja made a conscious decision not to paint ‘altyerr’ dreaming stories, the artists paint their country where those stories sit. 

 

These paintings shows the layered landscape of Alyawarr, Central Australia. Knowing your country is an important part of living in a remote community like Ampilatwatja. Knowing when and where to go hunting and gathering, knowing where there is ‘soakage’ (where you can dig for water), travelling with family for ceremonies, and maintaining a connection with the land.