The Artists of Ampilatwatja community was established in 1999 near Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. The work produced by the artists is recognisably distinct from other Aboriginal artistic communities, due to the application of fine dots and the often bright and child-like figurative depiction of the land.
Most of the artists paint Arreth, which translates to 'strong bush medicine', demonstrating a deep connection to country. A veritable source of life, the land has provided and sustained Alyawarr people for generations, as every plant and animal has a vital role to play within the ecological system. The paintings pay homage to the significance and use of traditional bush medicine, allowing an insight into their community.
In keeping with the religious laws, the artists reveal only a small amount of knowledge to the uninitiated. Artists talk of two broad levels of interpretation, the 'inside' stories, which are restricted to those of the appropriate ritual standing, and the 'outside' stories, which are open to all.
Representatives attending the Festival of Pacific Arts 2016 have all exhibited extensively in Australia and internationally.