Kwatja (water) in the Finke River

Rona Panangka Rubuntja has a vibrant personality and this infiltrates her practice in the form of humour. Many of her works draw on aspects of storytelling, allowing Runbuntja to share her culture with a wide audience in exciting and imaginative form. In Kwatja (water) in the Finke River 2019 Rubuntja remembers the Finke River flowing with Toyota’s crossing the waters while a boy waves at them; kids playing in the river; and, her Aunty Olga Inkamala making damper, cooking eggs and sausages. Her Aunty takes pride of place as the hero subject on top of the pot, making food over the fire while the billy boils water for tea.

Rona was shortlisted for the prestigious Indigenous Ceramic Art Award at Shepparton Art Museum, Victoria, in 2008, 2011 and 2014, and was awarded first runner-up in 2008. Her works are held in national and international collections, including Art Gallery of South Australia; Australian Parliament House Art Collection; Museum and Art Gallery Northern Territory; National Gallery of Australia; and National Gallery of Victoria.