‘Janmarda’ Painting

In this painting Emily has depicted designs associated with the Janmarda Tjukurrpa (Onion Dreaming) site
of Karrinyarra (Central Mt Wedge). Karinyarra is two hours drive North West of the remote Aboriginal
community of Papunya, Northern Territory, where there is a large salt lake and sacred spring. At certain
times of year the surrounds become covered with bush onion grass creating a creamy texture across the
landscape. Women dig at the grass to find the bush onion that grows at the roots. The bush onions are
gathered and cooked on the coals of the fire. Once they are cool enough to be held they are rubbed
between the hands so that the outer shell comes away revealing the lovely sweet small onion underneath.