Cheongju Craft Biennale

4 September - 2 November 2025
Cheongju Culture Factory, South Korea

Tjanpi Desert Weavers is thrilled to exhibit Ngura Tjanpi (Grass Country) in South Korea as part of the Cheongju Craft Biennale 2025. This body of work was created by artists from Mimili community on the APY Lands, SA.

Ngura Tjanpi reflects the shapes and forms found on Country and the tools and equipment made and used by women in pre-contact times, some of which include mina (bird nests), piti (burrows), kapi kartalpa (rock holes), tali (sand hills) and pitis (wooden carrying dish).

The works were created by salvaging metal seat frames from remote motorcar graveyards and using them as free-form weaving frames. The sculptures take on the shape of the frames, warped and undulating. The process of weaving softens the form and imbues the work with the colours and stories of Country and culture.

Accompanying Ngura Tjanpi is a selection of sculptural forms representing animal species found throughout the Central and Western Desert regions. These include native animals such as tinka (lizard), tjulpu (birds), malu (kangaroo), and tjilkamarta (echidna), alongside introduced species including tangki (donkey), kamula (camel), and papa (dog). These animals have long been a source of inspiration for Ngaanyatjarra, Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara women.

Featured Artists: Daisy Barney, Beryl Bell, Harriet Bryant (pictured), Yanyangkari Roma Butler, Betty Campbell, Fiona Dodd, Kathy Dodd, Kim Dodd, Mrs Dodd (dec.), Sheena Dodd, Donna Ferguson, Dianne Ungukalpi Golding, Erica Shorty, Emma Singer, Pauline Wangin and Pinuka (Margaret) Yai Yai.

Technical assistance provided by Em Frank, Kate Franklin, Jane Yai Yai & Puna Yanima.

Pictured above, Harriet Bryant working on her frame in Mimili. Photo by Em Frank.
Banner image by Robert Frith, courtesy of IOTA.