Betty Chimney (born 1957) and her daughter, Raylene Walatinna (born 1973) are a Yankunytjatjara mother-daughter duo renowned for their vivid acrylic paintings that map the ancestral landscapes and stories of their homelands.

Working from Iwantja Arts in Indulkana, Betty Chimney draws on deep cultural knowledge to create intricate compositions reflecting waterholes, songlines, and the topography of Country. Her layered mark-making and vibrant palettes convey both the physical and spiritual essence of place.

Their collaboration reflects a vital intergenerational exchange. As Chimney expresses her own lived experiences and shares cultural knowledge, she continues the tradition of older women passing on Tjukurpa (ancestral stories) and ngura (Country) to younger generations. This dynamic process informs and inspires Walatinna’s own creative voice.

In this large-scale collaborative painting, Chimney and Walatinna come together to articulate their shared connection to Country. Elements from Chimney’s 2025 Breaking Dawn series are visible, with soft tones evoking a sensitive, luminous response to Country at first light. In contrast, Walatinna brings vibrance and exuberance to the canvas through her depiction of key landmarks – karu (creek), tjukitji (soakage), and Tjurki Tjukurpa (native owl ancestral story).

Their interwoven perspectives form a rich expression of Country as a living, responsive entity that is continuously rearticulated across generations.