Umatji is a Yankunytjatjara woman born in Indulkana Community on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in
the far north west of South Australia. Umatji’s mother, Kunmanara (Kathleen Injiki) Tjapalyi was one of the founders and
senior artists at Mimili Maku Arts. Growing up, Umatji learned from her mother and father about their country and their
storylines. Today, Umatji paints her mother’s country around Iltur, which forms part of the Antara storyline, and is celebrated
in Women’s Ceremony.
“I am proud to share what I was taught when I was a little girl. I am keeping my mother’s knowledge strong, keeping her country
healthy and well. I was watching for a long time, watching country, watching my mother paint. Now I am ready to tell my own
story.”