Aboriginal Women’s Love Story Bauble

Meet Khatija

For Khatija Possum, painting is in her blood. A descendant of the famous Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri, Khatija has paved her own way and made a name for herself in the art world. Born in 1989 in Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, she has been deeply influenced by her grandfather, Clifford Possum, and her mother, Michelle Possum Nungurrayi’s artwork. When Khatija was nine, her mother began to paint again and it was at this time that Khatija fell in love with her mother’s work and indeed painting. Through observing and assisting her mother Khatija learnt to paint. It is this process that highlights the importance of art in keeping culture alive as stories and skills are passed from one generation to the next.

As a mother herself, the importance of keeping her cultural heritage strong is of great consequence. Khatija currently lives with her partner John and three children in Adelaide.

Women’s Love Story  – Khatija Possum

Connection to Country: Love is inseparable from the land, or "Country." It's a spiritual bond, a reciprocal relationship where the people care for the land, and the land nourishes them in return. Love for one another is mirrored in the love for Country.

Respect for Elders: Elders are the living libraries of Aboriginal culture, holding the wisdom of generations. Love is shown through deep respect for their knowledge, guidance, and stories. It's about listening, learning, and honoring their place in the community.

Cultural Preservation: Love is expressed through the preservation of traditions, ceremonies, and language. It's about passing on the knowledge of the Dreaming, the ancestral stories that connect people to their land and identity. This ensures the continuation of Aboriginal culture for future generations.

Though primarily a landscape painting Khatija has surpassed the basic stories and landmarks and has expanded this art of body painting and ceremonial themes into a classic contemporary composition, using modern acrylic paints.

For Khatija Possum, painting is in her blood. A descendant of the famous Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri, Khatija has paved her own way and made a name for herself in the art world. Born in 1989 in Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, she has been deeply influenced by her grandfather, Clifford Possum, and her mother, Michelle Possum Nungurrayi artwork. When Khatija was nine, her mother began to paint again and it was at this time that Khatija fell in love with her mother’s work and indeed painting. Through observing and assisting her mother Khatija learnt to paint. It is this process that highlights the importance of art in keeping culture alive as stories and skills are passed from one generation to the next.

As a mother herself, the importance of keeping her cultural heritage strong is of great consequence. Khatija currently lives with her partner John and three children in Adelaide.