Joseph Lane - Kulpununtu Tjukurrpa

This work is a depiction of Kulpununtu Tjukurrpa (Kulpununtu Dreaming). This story forms part of an elaborate songline that stretches half way accross Australia. It was passed to the artist from his father Phillip Lane. In turn, Joseph will pass this dreaming onto his Grandson. So deeply is this dreaming associated with the identity of Joseph and his father, that they proclaim themselves Kulpununtu men. 

Kulpununtu is the name of a giant Pilkati (snake) that winds its way accross Australia creating water holes. Kulpununtu's journey starts in the top end near Darwin and makes its way past places like Tenant Creek, Phillip Creek and Yirripilong. When Kulpununtu arrives in Lajamanu,  it begins using its might to "throw water around" creating a giant storm. Shortly after, the snake descends into the earth through a hole that it creates. Finally, Kulpununtu returns back to its home through a process called "walura", akin to teleportation. "You can't see him go back... no one can see it... he flies back".