Description
Composition: Hand dyed wool and cotton
Size: 122 x 183 cm (48 x 72 inches)
Features:
- Hand embroidered/chain-stitched
- All natural fibres – embroidered wool on cotton canvas
- Fair Trade certified
- Limited edition – individually numbered
- Certificate of Authenticity supplied with each kilim
- Royalties paid to the artist/family on every sale
- Hard wearing
- Back has non-slip surface
- Each kilim has flap on the rear for ease of hanging with dowel/rod
- Matching cushion covers are also available
Chain-stitched kilims are a traditional rug/soft furnishings making technique from Kashmir. As people sat on the floor they were both homewares and decoration. As many artworks are painted on the ground or 3D surfaces/bodies most of the images do not have a set orientation so can also be hung portrait or landscape if preferred.
Artist: Karen Napaljarri Barnes
Karen Napaljarri Barnes is part of the exciting next generation of artists to emerge from Warlukurlangu, an Aboriginal owned and governed Art Centre, located 290km North West from Alice Springs along the Tanami Highway. Karen moved to Yuendumu once completing school in Lajamanu and started painting for Warlukurlangu in 2001. When Karen first started painting, she would sit every day next to her grandmother, esteemed artist Judy Napangardi Watson who would not only encourage her to paint but teach her all the important cultural stories and traditions.
About the design: Ngatijirri (Budgerigars)
In recent years, Karen has caught the attention of the Australian art scene with her depictions of Budgerigar Dreaming (Ngatijirri Jukurrpa). Karen uses a more realistic depiction of the birds and a very abstract representation of the landscape, favouring bold and contrasting colours. Whilst her compositions may appear simplistic, her quizzical critters are works of great charm and presence. Karen’s distinctive style extends an existing Warlukurlangu reputation for innovative colour, of which her grandmother was one of the founding trailblazers.
Karen is a member of Warlukurlangu Artists of Yuendumu, Central Australia.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS:
Do not put place/use in direct sunlight or colors may fade. To clean – dry cleaning recommended. Can be ironed on a wool steam setting.
Can be ironed (on the woollen side of the rug) on a wool steam setting. For a big rug it’s easiest done on the floor.
About the Better World Arts chainstitch kilim products
These beautiful, unique textiles are a cross-cultural collaboration combining Aboriginal designs and traditional Kashmiri rug-making techniques. Chain stitched, using hand dyed wool, each is a completely handmade piece. A more empowering way to work, this brings many direct benefits to the artists’ and their community. Control and ownership of intellectual property are also maintained. Purchase of these products guarantees a direct return to the Aboriginal artist and their community.
Warlukurlangu Artists was founded in 1985 in Yuendumu, 300 km north-west of Alice Springs in the Tanami Desert. It is home to Warlpiri people. The founder of Songlines was the first manager of Warlukurlangu Artists from 1986-88 and has a deep love for Warlpiri people and their communities – and their art (of course).
