PATJU PRESLEY
Born: c1940
Language Group: Pitjantjatjara
Patju Presley was born in the 1940s in the bush at Etari, near Wataru. As a young child, he lived a traditional lifestyle with his family, walking the country and visiting traditional Tjukurpa sites. Patju later spent time at the Ernabella mission where he learned English, hymns and bible stories. He subsequently trained to be a preacher at the mission, and is known for his powerful sermons at Irrunytju church services. Patju Presley is also strongly involved with traditional cultural business, practicing inma (ceremonial singing and dancing), and producing punu (ceremonial and utilitarian objects).
Today Patju lives in Irrunytju with his wife Ivy Laidlaw, and paints various tjukurpa of the country around Irrunytju including the Wati Kipara (Bush Turkey), Wati Kutjara (Two Water-Snake Men) and Minyma Kutjara (Two Sisters).
EXHIBITIONS
2006 Irrunytju Arts: Senior artists from Irrunytju WA, Raft Artspace, Darwin
2004 Melbourne Art Fair, Vivien Anderson Gallery, Melbourne
2004 Irrunytju Wati, Aboriginal and Pacific Gallery, Sydney
2003 Watiku Tjukurpa: Irrunytju Senior Men, Aboriginal and Pacific Gallery, Sydney
2003 Irrunytju Art Auction, Viviven Anderson Gallery, Melbourne; Cromwells Auctioneers, Sydney
2002 Wati Tjilpiku Tjukurpa: Irrunytju Senior Men, Aboriginal and Pacific Gallery, Sydney