The regional tour of Jila Kujarra: Two Snakes Dreaming has now come to an end. Though we are sad to say goodbye, we are proud to celebrate the tour and the lasting impact it has made on communities across WA.
Jila Kujarra: Two Snakes Dreaming is a cross-cultural collaboration between Warnman artist Desmond Taylor and Boorloo-based textile practitioner Mariaan Pugh. Together, they have reimagined Taylor’s Niminjarra paintings—traditionally created on canvas or paper—into richly textured textile works that bring new dimension to the Niminjarra Jukurrpa (Dreaming), a story of deep significance to Warnman Country.
Originally commissioned by Fremantle Arts Centre in partnership with Martumili Artists, ART ON THE MOVE began touring the exhibition in late 2023. Over two years, it travelled over 18,000kms, and was shown at 10 different venues. In total, over 16,000 visitors experienced the exhibition across 5 WA regions and regional Queensland.
“The exhibition was fantastic, thank you so much. We are so grateful that Desmond and Mariaan could join us for the opening night and deliver workshops on the opening weekend, the community loved it! “ Host Venue
Image credits: Amelia Blanco, Maxxi (Minaxi) May, Ange Stirling, Ashleigh Buchholz, Aaron Claringbold
“I had the opportunity to visit the art gallery last night, and I must say, this was an outstanding exhibition. The pieces on display were truly remarkable, each one showcasing the artist’s incredible talent and creativity.” Exhibition Visitor
A highlight of the tour was the community workshops, delivered in seven locations and warmly embraced by local audiences. Led by Desmond and Mariaan, these workshops sparked joy, creativity, and connection, inviting people to learn new skills while experiencing the depth of the Niminjarra story. From kids trying punch needling for the first time to local artists exchanging techniques, the sessions created lasting memories and left a ripple of inspiration in each community they visited.
“Touring Jila Kujarra: Two Snakes Dreaming with Desmond has been such a rewarding experience. I especially loved teaching the punch needle workshops and sharing skills with people from the different communities we visited. It was an honour to travel alongside Desmond to each exhibition, and I really valued meeting local artists and arts workers along the way. The whole experience has opened up new connections and opportunities that I’ll carry with me into my practice.” Mariaan Pugh
Congratulations and thank you to Desmond and Mariaan for generously sharing their work and skills across the tour. A huge thank you to the venues and staff: Courthouse Gallery+Studio, Shark Bay Discovery Centre, Victoria Park Centre for the Arts, Carnarvon Library and Gallery, Warwick Art Gallery (QLD), Dogwood Crossing (QLD), Goldfields Arts Centre, Joondalup Gallery, Cannery Arts Centre and Painted Tree Gallery, and of course, the many visitors to the exhibition!
To see upcoming touring exhibitions, visit our exhibitions page.
This tour is made possible through the Regional Exhibition Touring Boost with support from the WA Government and delivered by ART ON THE MOVE.