Pudjuwanni (As Good as Dead)

Putecharung is a proud Kamu man from the Daly River region in the Northern Territory. His ancestral  land stretches from Blackfella Creek to Shark Swamp, just beyond the Daly River, and westward to  Browns Creek. His name, Putecharung, is an abbreviation of a longer traditional word meaning 

"hunting whistle duck on the sand." It refers to a specific crossing of the Daly River—a place of  cultural and personal significance—for which he holds responsibility when on Country. The name  was given to him by his great-grandmother, Kitty Panquie. Putecharung's creative journey began by  watching his mother paint during his childhood, a memory that shaped the foundation of his unique  style. He first started painting while incarcerated I n Victoria, where he joined The Torch program. He credits The Torch for providing a rare opportunity to reconnect with culture, build artistic skills,  and find a sense of purpose during challenging times. Though inspired by his mother’s art and the  community of fellow Aboriginal artists inside, Putecharung is largely self-taught, also drawing from  the rich collection of Indigenous artworks his mother kept at home. His paintings are deeply rooted  in his connection to Country, often reflecting the landscapes of the Daly River and the traditions of  his people. Putecharung's style blends earthy, traditional colours with a contemporary edge,  creating works that honour his heritage while speaking to the present. For him, painting is more  than creative expression—it’s a source of healing, balance, and empowerment. In  environments where he has little control, painting gives him agency, allowing him to  continue a family legacy and carry cultural knowledge forward. Putecharung begins each  piece with the background and lets the story unfold naturally as thepainting progresses. His  work not only tells stories of place and identity but also supports hi sfuture, both spiritually  and financially. Through painting, Putecharung–continues to build abridge between past,  present, and future, grounded firmly in culture, resilience, and self-determination.

In this painting, the meeting places symbolise people and the surrounding communities they reside  in. 'Pajuwanni (As Good as Dead)' is the title for this painting, which I chose to convey a message  that without good people around you, your chances of being dead or back in prison increase.