Ann Nyankulya Cleary-Farrall

Irruntyju (Wingellina), WA

Ann Cleary-Farrall is an artist belonging to the Ngaanyatjarra language and cultural group and lives in the remote community of Irruntyju (Wingellina), WA.

Ann spent her childhood travelling between Irruntyju and Warburton. She moved to Alice Springs in 1974 and has lived there since.

Ann taught her four daughters how to weave and paint. Her creative influence is evident in the style of their work.

Ann collects and dyes her own grasses that she finds locally in the Alice Springs area. She has a deep knowledge of the different grasses and creek roots and their uses for weaving. Ann experiments with colours and is inspired by the techniques of the Yolngu women of the Northern Territory. Her works are beautiful unique and collectible pieces and signal a new direction for Tjanpi Desert Weavers.

Ann has recently been focused on creating realistic sculptural depictions of local bird life. She has focused on the minute differences between the male and female, creating mating pairs of cockatoos, galahs, ringneck parrots, hawks, eagles and spinifex doves.