The spiritual heart of Central Australia took centre stage in New York this month as senior Yankunytjatjara man Reggie Uluru presented his first international exhibition at D'Lan Contemporary.
The exhibition features Reggie's paintings of the Ngintaka Tjukurpa (Perentie Lizard Man Creation Story), an ancestral narrative taught to him by his father and grandfather. Through these works, Uluru continues to pass on cultural knowledge, history, and deep connection to Country.
"This is a straight story, from the Tjukurpa, and nobody can change that story. I'm happy doing this painting, because I'm explaining my story. People will see my history, my culture. I feel proud to teach young ones about Country, my Tjukurpa, our learning stories, about family ancestors, how to find waterholes and best tucker," the artist said in a statement.
"Show them the right way, connection to culture, how my father taught me long time ago."
Anangu delegation L-R: Rob Drew (MCAC), Leroy Lester, Peter Wilson, Nancy Green (Walkatjara Art), Tianie Scott-Knight and Dorothea Randall. (Image: supplied by D'Lan Contemporary)
To mark the occasion, a delegation of senior Anangu leaders from Mutitjulu community accompanied the exhibition to New York: presenting talks, leading cultural exchange events, and launching a short film featuring Uluru telling the Ngintaka story through storytelling, painting, and inma (ceremonial song and dance).
While in the US, the delegation is also set to meet with Kevin Rudd, Australia's Ambassador to the United States and former Prime Minister. This historic meeting represents a powerful moment in international recognition of Anangu culture, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the Handback of Uluṟu.
The initiative has been made possible through funding from the Anangu Communities Foundation (ACF), established by Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia to support Anangu-led projects that strengthen education, culture, and economic development.
Uluru, a respected Traditional Owner of Uluṟu, played a central role in the 1985 Handback of the sacred site to its Traditional Owners. He later worked as a ranger in Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and as a tour guide, sharing his ancestral lore with thousands of visitors.
Today, through his art, he continues to teach and preserve cultural knowledge for future generations.
Reggie Uluru: Ngintaka Tjukurpa will run from the 2nd of October until the 7th of November 2025, at D'Lan Contemporary, New York.
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