Jean Burke

Biography



Jean Burke belongs to the Pitjantjatjara language and cultural group, and was born in 1945 in the bush at Anumarapiti in the Western Desert of Western Australia. Her parents walked to the mission in Ernabella when she was a baby. Shortly after their arrival, her mother passed away and her father took her from Ernabella to Warburton, walking from rock-hole to rock-hole for 800kms. Along the way many women took turns in breast feeding her. Jean states, ‘I always thought I had no family. I was really sad because other girl’s mothers told them stories about country. I was lost. She wasn't telling me stories about families and country. Ngaltutjara.’ She went to school at the Warburton mission where she learnt to read and write; to recite bible stories, prayers and hymns, and new art and craft skills such as sewing and drawing. During school holidays she used to go back to country.

 



Later, as an adult, Jean came to Irrunytju. ‘At Irrunytju they told me I had relatives in Tjuntjuntjara. I was happy to find my mother’s brother and families.’ She married and had two daughters. Jean was one of the founding members of Irrunytju Arts and a highly regarded sculptor and weaver, who has worked closely with Ivy Laidlaw to teach others how to weave tjanpi baskets, make organic dyes and natural remedies.

 



Jean’s paintings reflect her relationship with country and culture. My father’s country is Alpualpultjta, a rock-hole near the creek at Pipalyatjara. He travelled with his mother to Kalka, to another rock-hole. This is good country near Irrunytju.

 



We want to do our grandmother’s and grandfather’s country, the rock-holes where they went. Where they used to go around, rock-hole to rock-hole to get feed. Hunt for kangaroos, emus, goannas. Long time ago when piranpa wasn’t here. They’d live with no flour, no medicines, they were strong. They were the strongest people in the area. But now they’ve all got sick, all got diabetes. And we want to do the paintings so we can teach the younger ones the old stories. So they can learn. If we finish, it’s their turn to do dot paintings, to tell the dreamtime stories. Keep the stories strong. That’s why we do the dot paintings, so they can say “That’s my country, that’s my mother’s country. Like that. So everybody’s getting learned. We’re all learned now.



Jeans paintings are based on linear designs and a softer palette demonstrates a deep connection and spirituality to the land. Jean’s first solo exhibition was held at Agathon Gallery in April 2006.





Exhibitions

2006 Jean Burke Solo Exhibition, Agathon Galleries, NSW