Yankunytjatjara artist and NDSP Plan Managers client Linda Puna recently mounted her first solo art exhibition, Awari! – Wow!, at the Alcaston Gallery in Melbourne (22 to 29 March 2022). This also marked the launch of her exclusive collaboration with the ethical fashion label, Unreal Fur, in partnership with the contemporary art studio, Mimili Maku Arts.
Featured image: a young woman from Mimili community modelling Linda Puna’s Awari coat for Unreal Fur.
Linda was born in the Mimili Community of Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunyjatjara (APY) Lands. She is also considered the first Anangu woman to live in a remote community while being dependent on an electric wheelchair.
Described as bold and spirited, Linda’s collection of paintings mirror the realities of living in the remote community of Mimili. Her artworks feature gestural brushstrokes, vibrant colours, and art elements inspired by her local surroundings.
“I paint what I see, apu munu puli (rocks and hills), punu (trees), kapi tjukurla (water holes). I also paint Maku Tjukurpa (witchetty grub stories) from around Antara,” says Linda.
The Alcaston Gallery has a free virtual tour of Linda’s exhibition. View it here.
UNREAL FUR X LINDA PUNA from Unreal Fur on Vimeo.
In collaboration with Unreal Fur, Linda co-designed a fashionable capsule collection of outerwears.
“I work closely with Unreal Fur to create my own fashion line, stunning warm jackets brought to life by my art… My art will bring joy to cities all around the world (translated from Yankunytjatjara),” says Linda.
To learn more about the Unreal Fur x Linda Puna collaboration, visit unrealfur.com.au.
