Clarise Tunkin

Born in Alice Springs, Clarise Tunkin is part of a large and talented family of artists. Her mother, Teresa Baker, her Aunty Kani (Patricia) Tunkin and grandmother Kay Baker (daughter of the famed Jimmy Baker) are all celebrated artists from the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in South Australia. 

Like many of the women in her family, Clarise paints the story of a spiritual ancestor, Malilu. From her mother, a strong Pitjantjatjara woman, Clarise learnt about her country and the sacred stories associated with it, including the story of Minyma (meaning "woman") Malilu - she fondly remembers visiting Malilu's cave with her mother at age fifteen. Ceremony and songs are still performed by the women where Malilu’s cave is situated. Clarise has two children and already, early in her artistic career, she is a much sought-after artist.