Kitty Kantilla and Freda Warlapinni at Milikapiti (Snake Bay)

Acclaimed Tiwi artists Kitty Kantilla (Kutuwulumi Purawarrumpatu) (c. 1928–2003) and Taracarijimo Freda Warlapinni (c. 1928–2004) lived in the 'widow's camp' at Milikapiti on the coast of Melville Island for many years. They were both instrumental in the development of Jilimara Arts and Crafts. The two remained close, needling each other unrelentingly, for the rest of their lives. Jo Bertini first saw Kantilla's work in the Art Gallery of New South Wales in the early 1990s, soon after she had returned from studying art in Europe. Following many attempts, she eventually met the artist on Melville Island in 2001. Initially hesitant, Kantilla allowed Bertini to sketch her once she promised to buy one of her works; she also sketched Kantilla's friend and rival Warlapinni.

When Bertini returned to Sydney, this painting germinated over a two-year period. She later noted: 'I wished to capture my great respect for these two artists, as women of their time; their resilience and independence, their strength of character, their defiance in the face of any intrusion in their lives, their fiercely proud and protective instincts, their unity with their culture and traditions and their extraordinary artistic ability.' Sadly, Kantilla died two days after the work was hung in the Portia Geach Prize of 2003; just a few months later, Warlapinni died.

Purchased with funds provided by the Basil Bressler Bequest 2004
© Jo Bertini