Born in 1957 in Port Augusta, South Australia, Betty Chimney is a Yankunytjatjara artist known for her vivid acrylic paintings mapping the ancestral landscapes and stories of her homelands. Based at Iwantja Arts in Indulkana, she draws on deep cultural knowledge to create intricate compositions that reflect waterholes, songlines, and the topography of Country. Her layered mark-making and vibrant palettes convey both the physical and spiritual essence of place.

In this painting, and chapter of Chimney’s career, the artist is depicting dawn on Country. This period of Chimney’s career is most notable for the utilisation of pinks, plums, and warm oranges to communicate the expansive tones and texture experienced at this time.

“My painting is about the country that is my home, Indulkana. I feel truly connected to the place I’m painting and it’s incredibly important to me. My painting includes specific sites, like the Iwantja karu (creek), tjukitji (soakage), and Tjurki Tjukurpa (native owl ancestral story). I use my colours and marks to reflect the way the landscape changes from the rocky ridge to the sandy creek beds. This country is beautiful and it is special.”

— Betty Chimney