As part of the celebrated Tarnanthi program at the Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA), the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation (WCH Foundation) Arts in Health program, in collaboration with the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Art Centre Collective, proudly presents Tjunguringanyi – Coming Together.
Currently featuring at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH) till January 29 2026, this extraordinary exhibition transforms the hospital into a vibrant space of cultural connection and storytelling, offering patients, families, and staff an inspiring and inclusive experience.
Tjunguringanyi exhibits the talents of six First Nations women artists: Nyunmiti Burton, Yaritji Heffernan, Megan Lyons, Sandra Pumani, Margaret Richards, and Leshaye Swan. Through their paintings and ceramics, these women share their lived experiences, wisdom, and knowledge, exploring themes of wellness, family, and the importance of fostering strong, healthy communities. The exhibition reflects the strength and unity of women supporting one another across generations and geographies, from remote communities to urban settings.
The exhibition is presented at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, known in Kaurna language as Ngankiku Ngartuku Kukuwardli – a place of health and care for women, children, and young people. This setting underscores the role of art in creating culturally safe and inclusive healthcare environments.
Sandra Pumani, a Yankunytjatjara , artist, and Chairperson of the APY Art Centre Collective, emphasises the importance of bridging cultural gaps in healthcare.
“We have to come together and walk the two worlds; this is my world here and yours here – bringing that together and making it happen. If I don’t know your culture and you don’t know my culture, we are lost… there’s a gap,” she explains.
Tjunguringanyi is more than an art exhibition; it is a celebration of cultural resilience, storytelling, and the strength of Aboriginal women. It offers a platform for these artists, mothers, grandmothers, and aunties to share their stories, educate, and inspire the hospital community. Through their works, they’re building bridges between cultures, fostering understanding and unity.
This remarkable exhibition is made possible through the dedication of the APY Art Centre Collective, the WCH Foundation Arts in Health program, and the AGSA Tarnanthi program. Special thanks go to Sandra Pumani for her wisdom and guidance, as well as to the artists and collaborators who have brought Tjunguringanyi to life.
Together, we are reminded of the power of art to heal, connect, and inspire.
All artworks for sale. For more information or to purchase a piece, visit here.
