Rene Sundown, Ngura Tali – Sand Dune Country (AK23582), 2024, synthetic polymer paint on linen, 152 x 122 cm

Alcaston Gallery presents respected senior Yankunytjatjara artist, Rene Sundown’s second solo exhibition, Pinangku Kulini – Remembering.

Sundown paints her memories of Ngura Tali, the sand dune Country near Erlduna in the Northern Territory, where her parents worked on nearby stations and where she was raised. In fields of cream, gold, and rich sunset hues, intersected with bold linear compositional markers, Sundown’s paintings recall the subtle shifts of sand and colour in the landscapes of her childhood.

In Pinangku Kulini – Remembering, Sundown has infused her paintings with a bold blush of magenta and pink unveiling a new perspective to her recollections of Ngura Tali and the lyrical movement of colour within it.

On her work, Rene Sundown reflects: “This is my thinking and painting memories. Memories of what I saw, sand dunes that we played on. When I’m painting my feelings became strong and all my memories came back… This is the sand dunes and spinifex grass. Sand dune Country was our home.”

A senior artist and longstanding director of Iwantja Art Centre in Indulkana, South Australia, Sundown’s practice is dedicated to passing on knowledge to future generations.

Having exhibited nationally and internationally for over a decade, Sundown’s recognition soared in 2024 following her debut solo exhibition at Alcaston Gallery. She was named a finalist for three highly prestigious national awards: the Muswellbrook Art Prize, one of the richest prizes for painting in Australia; the Wynne Prize, presented by the Art Gallery of New South Wales; and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA), presented by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.

Opening event: Thursday 3 April, 4:30 – 6:30pm.