'The book is a historical overview of the Kaltjiti Arts Centre and the artwork produced there over the years. It traces the changes in indigenous culture through an exploration of song, dance and art. Diana, who is fluent in Pitjantjatjara, has spent many years working in the APY region and has developed strong bonds with the communities and people of these lands. The book is a result of these close relationships and an insight into their culture. Documents the artists' stories along with the development of Kaltjiti Arts from its humble beginnings in a primitive tin shed to a leading contemporary arts centre. As well, James documents for the first time the modern history of batik, carving, weaving and painting in Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara lands. Includes the first publication of some rare 1940s photographs by anthropologist Charles Mountford and vignettes of 40 years of artistic development.' (Publication summary)
'Painting the Song: Kaltjiti artists of the sand dune country describes a development reaching as far back as the beginning of the 20th century. At the heart of this social and cultural history by anthropologist Diana James is the emergence of a local art movement in Kaltjiti, previously Fregon, in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, South Australia. As the first arts coordinator in the community (1975-76) James’ insider knowledge of the early phase of the art movement feeds into her multi-layered account of the history.' (Introduction)
'Painting the Song: Kaltjiti artists of the sand dune country describes a development reaching as far back as the beginning of the 20th century. At the heart of this social and cultural history by anthropologist Diana James is the emergence of a local art movement in Kaltjiti, previously Fregon, in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, South Australia. As the first arts coordinator in the community (1975-76) James’ insider knowledge of the early phase of the art movement feeds into her multi-layered account of the history.' (Introduction)
