19/06/2026
KHATIJA POSSUM
My Grandmothers Country and Seven Sisters, 2026
Synthetic Polymer Paint on Canvas
114cm x 99cm
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https://galleryaustralia.com.au/product/khatija-possum-painting-australian-aboriginal-art-3/
Seven Sisters Dreaming by Khatija Possum Nungurrayi is a striking acrylic (synthetic polymer) painting that interprets one of the most significant ancestral stories in Central and Western Desert Aboriginal cultures. The Seven Sisters Dreaming, often associated with the Pleiades star cluster, tells the story of seven ancestral women traveling across the land, pursued by a male figure, creating sacred sites and shaping Country as they journey.
In Khatija Possum’s rendition, the story is expressed through intricate dot work, flowing patterns, and vibrant colour. Concentric circles, lines, and symbolic motifs map the sisters’ path across the landscape, marking important ceremonial sites, resting places, and areas of cultural significance. The composition reflects both movement and connection—linking sky, land, and ancestral presence.
Her use of synthetic polymer paints allows for rich, layered textures and luminous colour, enhancing the visual rhythm of the work. The painting is not a literal depiction, but a cultural map encoded with meaning, representing knowledge passed down through generations. As with many Aboriginal artworks, certain elements of the story remain sacred, with only appropriate aspects shared visually.
Through this work, Khatija Possum continues her family’s legacy of storytelling, honoring her grandfather, Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri, while expressing her own connection to Country. Seven Sisters Dreaming stands as both a celebration of ancestral journeys and a testament to the enduring strength of women’s stories in Aboriginal culture.
