Josina Pumani

Josina, a young Pitjantjatjara woman was born in Mimili, in the remote north-western corner of South Australia.

Her mother, the late Ngupulya Pumani and her grandmother Kunmanara (Milatjari) Pumani were two of the founders of Mimili Maku Arts. Both women taught Josina much about cultural leadership, but also about the strong connection with their country of Antara and the Maku Tjukurpa Wichetty grub story.

Her grandmother’s work on Maku Tjukurpa features in the collection of the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne.

Josina’s father is Shannon Kantji, a senior Yankunytjatjara leader. Josina began painting in 2009, and soon after became an arts worker at Mimili Maku Arts. She supported the senior artists during this time, learning from her elders whilst developing skills in canvas preparation and studio support.

In 2015 Josina moved to Adelaide to further her education. Since her mother’s passing in 2019 she has moved back to Mimili to build on the cultural leadership displayed by her mother, supporting her local community and reconnecting with her art practice. Josina’s paintings reflect the painting style she learnt from generations of women in her family, and today she is one of Mimili Maku’s brightest rising stars. She has exhibited in a number of group shows.