Collection: Pollyanne Smith Tjungkaya

Pollyanne Smith Tjungkaya is an Anangu Pitjantjatjara artist from Fregon in the APY Lands of South Australia, approximately 350km south-east of Uluru. She was born at Balfours Well, near Ernabella, into a large family with strong ties across the lands.

Pollyanne paints the country of her mother, who came from Ikari, north of Watarru. A central feature of this country is Untju-ku ngura - a large hill with a rockhole at its centre. Nearby is Mamungari'nya, a site of minyma tjukurpa, women's Dreaming, which is one of the stories Pollyanne carries through her work. Her father came from Iltur, an important men's site south-east of Watarru.

Pollyanne began painting through her community art centre, working alongside other senior women. Her early training included batik, tie-dyeing and weaving with hand-spun sheep wool, before she moved into the painting practice she is now recognised for. Since 1994, alongside her practice, Pollyanne has worked at the Fregon Anangu School as an Anangu education worker, supporting cultural and language education for the next generation.