MY STORY

Tarynt is a 17-year-old Aboriginal artist who was born and raised in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), the place he calls home. His Aboriginal heritage comes through his mother’s family, with strong ancestral connections across Central and South Australia.

Through his maternal grandfather, Tarynt descends from the Kokatha, Kuyani and Adnyamathanha peoples of the Flinders Ranges and surrounding areas. Through his maternal grandmother, he descends from the Yankunytjatjara, Pitjantjatjara, Arabana and Lower Southern Arrernte peoples.

Tarynt’s interest and skills in Aboriginal art have been passed down through his mother, Emma, an Aboriginal artist who has shared her knowledge and artistic skills with him from a young age. Growing up surrounded by his mother’s art has given Tarynt the opportunity to learn, experiment and begin developing his own artistic style and expression.

Tarynt also has cultural connections through his non-Indigenous father, an initiated man with longstanding cultural relationships and responsibilities in Central Australia, particularly with Warlpiri people. These relationships have also contributed to the cultural environment in which Tarynt has been raised.

While Mparntwe is home, Tarynt’s identity and emerging artistic practice are shaped by family, Country, culture and connections that extend across Central and South Australia.