Kitty Kantilla (Kutuwalumi Purawarrumpatu) (Tiwi c. 1928–2003) produced an exceptional body of work from the 1970s until her last days in 2003. The NGV has a major holding of Kantilla’s works across all media that has been built up through close liaison with Jilamara Arts & Craft Association from 1991 onwards. In February 2001, after a year of prior negotiation, Jilamara invited the NGV to publish a book on Kitty Kantilla and to stage the retrospective exhibition.
Kitty Kantilla is a tribute to a consummate artist, and will comprise of around 60 works. It should coincide with a celebration of Tiwi song, dance and film. Kitty Kantilla is the latest in a series of special exhibitions that the NGV has organised focusing on aspects of Tiwi art from the Aboriginal communities on the Tiwi Islands, 80kms north of Darwin.
