Nyangatja Ngayuku Mara (These are my hands), 2023

Rhett Hammerton
born Australia 1981

Nyangatja Ngayuku Mara (These are my hands) 2024
pigment photographic print on paper

‘Ngayuku marangku, ngayulu waraka pulka tjuta palyani. Ngayulu anangu tjuta alpamilani, titjtjarangku. Ngayunku mama, ngangkari pulka mulapa, paluru ngura iriti wiyaringku. Paluru ngayunya nintinu ngangkari-tjanku anangu tjuta ngangkaritjanku. Paluru ngayulu tjunu uwankaru paluru kanyitja, ngayuku marangka ngangkari nyinatjaku. Ka anangu tjutangku, ngayuku photo nyakula, tjana nintiringi ngayuku tjurkupa munu ngayuku warka pulka mulapa Ngangkari palyatja tjuta mulapa.

I work with my hands, doing important Ngangkari work. I’m helping people with my hands all the time. My father, he was a famous Ngangkari, but he passed away a long time ago. He taught me everything I know about healing people. He put the special healing properties into my hands. When people see my photo, they will learn about my story, and about all the important work that Ngangkaris do.’
– Maringka Burton, Pitjantjatjara artist and Ngangkari (traditional healer)

Rhett Hammerton is based between Meanjin/Brisbane and Mparntwe/Alice Springs. His practice is underpinned by respect, collaboration and creativity.