Kaylene Whiskey Cooking my famous Indulkana soup

‘Just like my hero Dolly Parton, I work “9 to 5” from Monday to Friday, painting at Iwantja Arts, and so on the weekends I like to relax. I put on my favourite music or movies, and I cook soup. I’m famous in my home community of Indulkana for making a delicious soup!’ says Kaylene Whiskey, who lives in Indulkana on the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, South Australia.

‘I’ve painted myself in the kitchen surrounded by vegetables and other ingredients – even some tjala (honey ants) – as well as some of my favourite kungka kunpu (strong women): Wonder Woman, Cat Woman, Supergirl and, of course, Dolly herself. If you want to be strong like a superhero, you have to eat healthy food. Mai wiru (good food)!’

Born in Mparntwe/Alice Springs, Whiskey was a finalist in the 2020 Archibald with a painting in which she imagined Dolly Parton dropping in for a quick visit. She is also a finalist in this year’s Sulman Prize – and Dolly once again appears. Whiskey won the Sulman Prize in 2018.