Josina Pumani

APY Art Centre Collective

Josina is a young Pitjantjatjara woman, who was born in Mimili. Her mother, the late Ngupulya Pumani and her grandmother Kunmanara (Milatjari) Pumani were two of the founders of Mimili Maku Arts. Both women taught Josina much about cultural leadership, but also about the strong connection with their country of Antara (Maku / witchetty grub Tjukurpa). Josina’s father is Shannon Kantji, a senior Yankunytjatjara leader. Josina began painting in 2009, and soon after became an arts worker at Mimili Maku Arts. She supported the senior artists during this time, learning from her Elders whilst developing skills in canvas preparation and studio support. In 2016 Josina moved to Adelaide to further her education. She returned to Mimili after her mother’s passing in 2019, and after a few years in Mimili returned to Adelaide in 2023. Josina’s artworks reflect the style and stories she learnt from generations of women in her family. Josina began her ceramics practice in early 2024 and is one of the brightest rising stars working in the APY Collective Art Centre.