JamFactory ICON 2026 Tjunkaya Tapaya OAM Nyuyuntja: Stoking of the Fire, Keeping the Fire Alive

19 July – 13 September 2026

JamFactory is proud to present its 2026 ICON exhibition, Tjunkaya Tapaya OAM: Nyuyuntja – stoking of the fire, keeping the fire alive, celebrating the remarkable life, art and cultural legacy of senior Aṉangu elder and acclaimed artist Tjunkaya Tapaya OAM (1947–2025).

Presented in partnership with Ernabella Arts, the exhibition showcases works created during the final years of Mrs Tapaya’s life, revealing her extraordinary skill as an artist, storyteller and cultural custodian. Across ceramics, batik, painting and tjanpi grass weaving, Nyuyuntja highlights the confidence, warmth and enduring purpose that defined her creative practice.

JamFactory CEO Brian Parkes said: “Tjunkaya Tapaya was an exceptional artist whose work reflects a profound connection to Country, culture and community. As JamFactory’s 2026 ICON, we honour not only her extraordinary artistic achievements, but also her generosity as a teacher and cultural leader. This exhibition celebrates a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of artists and audiences alike.”

One of Australia’s most respected Aboriginal artists, Mrs Tapaya was closely associated with Ernabella Arts, Australia’s longest-running Aboriginal art centre. In recognition of her outstanding contribution, she received the Gladys Elphick Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2018 and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2020 for her service to Indigenous visual art and the community.

At the heart of the exhibition is a significant new artwork honouring the Kunkarungkalpa Tjukurpa (Seven Sisters creation story). The seven baskets for seven sisters combine Tjanpi weaving with ceramics. In this work the pastel tones of the hand dyed raffia show the colours of sunset at Mrs Tapaya’s birthplace, near Atila (Mt Conner), while delightful tjanpi bushfoods, animals, and people illustrate sections of the Seven Sister’s story. 

‘Tjunkaya enriched the lives of everyone who knew her through her generosity of spirit and knowledge. She was a passionate and dedicated artist and cultural custodian, and a highly regarded community leader and teacher. This prestigious honour of being the JamFactory ICON for 2026 celebrates Tjunkaya’s life-long love of creating art and sharing Aṉangu wisdom,’ said Rowena Withers, Art Centre Manager, Ernabella Arts.

Launching during SALA Festival, the exhibition will later tour to JamFactory Seppeltsfield and is accompanied by a 124-page monograph featuring essays by Anne Thompson and Adele Sliuzas.

Nyuyuntja – stoking of the fire, keeping the fire alive honours Mrs Tapaya’s enduring contribution to Aṉangu culture, ensuring her stories, knowledge and artistic legacy continue to keep the fire burning for generations to come.

For more information visit the JamFactory website