Jeannie Minunga and Kay Finn
Jeannie Minunga's artistic focus revolves around her Country, Paradise, and the Wanampi Tjukurpa—the water snake dreaming. In contrast, Kay Finn paints the landscapes around Indulkana, delving into the significant sites and cultural stories that define her Country.
Biography of Jeannie Minunga and Kay Finn
Born in 1952 and 1954 respectively, Jeannie Minunga and Kay Finn embody the essence of the Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara languages. Their artistic endeavors find a home at the Umoona Arts Centre, where the vibrant hues of their creations reflect the unique blend of their cultural backgrounds. Living between Umoona, Coober Pedy, and Oodnadatta, the sisters-in-law share a profound connection not only through family ties but also through the strokes of their collaborative artworks.
The artistic journey of Jeannie and Kay took a significant turn in October 2021 when they joined the creative force at the Umoona Arts Centre. Alongside Jeannie's husband and Kay's brother, Keith Minunga, and Jeannie's daughter Myra Kumantjara, they embarked on a shared odyssey of artistic exploration. Together, they form a familial artistic ensemble, creating both individual masterpieces and large-scale collaborative paintings that breathe life into their cultural narratives.
The impact of Jeannie and Kay's collaborative endeavors extends beyond their studio walls. Their artworks have played pivotal roles in sell-out Umoona Arts exhibitions, captivating audiences and shedding light on the richness of Indigenous art. The pinnacle of recognition came in the form of a nomination as finalists in the 2022 Wynne Prize for their collaborative masterpiece, 'Nganampa Ngura.'
