Betty Muffler
Indulkana, SA
"My paintings are about ngangkari and sites related to healing. Ngangkari are traditional healers / healing practices. I've painted rockholes and the water flowing through the landscape, just like the energy that flows through people and places – it's invisible to most people but ngangkari can see spirits and feel a lot of different energy."
About the Artist
A highly respected senior woman, Betty Muffler is based in Indulkana, on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, and works at Iwantja Arts. Her practice spans painting, drawing, printmaking and tjanpi (native grass) weaving.
Born near Watarru, Betty grew up at the Ernabella Mission following the displacement and deaths of family members in the aftermath of the British nuclear testing at Maralinga and Emu Field. Witnessing the devastation of Country and surviving this experience motivates Betty�s recurring depiction of healing sites and the intensity of her connection to these places in her paintings entitled Ngangkari Ngura (Healing Country).
Betty is a renowned ngangkari (traditional healer), who learnt this practice from her aunties, handed down through her father�s side. Alongside her rigorous art practice, Betty works extensively with the Ngaanyatjarra, Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara Women�s Council (NPY Women�s Council) and medical practitioners to support Anangu to good health and through times of crisis.
Betty was the winner of the Emerging Artist Award at the 2017 Telstra NATSIAA. Her work is held in the collections of the National Gallery of Australia, Australian War Memorial, Art Gallery of South Australia and Fondation Opale, Switzerland.
