Award-winning Pitjantjatjara artist and ngangkari (traditional healer) Iluwanti Ken has publicly criticized the treatment of the APY Art Centre Collective, following allegations of 'white hands on black art' in April 2026. Ken, a co-founder of the collective, expressed concerns about the management and representation of Indigenous artists.
The allegations, which emerged in April, suggest that non-Indigenous individuals have exerted undue influence over the collective's operations, undermining the autonomy of Aboriginal artists. Ken's comments highlight ongoing tensions in the Australian art world regarding cultural ownership and control.
As of May 2026, the APY Art Centre Collective has not issued a formal response to Ken's statements. The collective, based in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in South Australia, represents over 500 Aboriginal artists and has been praised for its economic and cultural impact.
