Conrad Tipungwuti

Conrad Tipungwuti has been painting and creating limited edition prints at Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association since the late 1990s. Alongside Timothy Cook, Conrad is part of the Ngawa Mantawi (All of Us Together) program at Jilamara – a program that supports artists with special needs in building successful careers in the arts while staying close to family and Country.

His artwork is known for its expression, freshness, and energy, distinguishing it from many other Tiwi artists. The predominant theme in his work is the late wet season 'Kulama' initiation ceremonies, celebrated when the sacred yams are ripe. He often depicts Tapara, the moon man, who became a moon man after the pukamani ceremony. Conrad's paintings feature large concentric circles and small dots, evoking the night sky. His work is included in major collections, including the Du Musee des Confluences in Paris, France. Initially exhibited with the Jilamara group, Conrad's profile has risen significantly, establishing him as one of the prominent Tiwi artists of today.

Background and Early Life:

• Skin: Arinkuwula (Stone)
• Early Life: Conrad grew up in the “old camp” at Pirlangimpi (Garden Point) with his parents. Although the old camp no longer exists, it is remembered as a community of wulimawi (the old people), where Conrad was raised surrounded by strong culture and regular ceremonies. His Tiwi name, Kamilowra, was given to him by Steven Tipuamantumirri, the late husband of the famous artist Cornelia Tipuamantumirri. After the passing of his parents, Conrad moved to Nguiu and then to Milikapiti to live with his aunt and uncle. They lived next door to Jilamara Arts, and Conrad joined the art centre soon after.

Artistic Practice:

Conrad paints using ochres or earth pigments sourced from around Milikapiti. The overarching themes of his work include the wet season Pakatiringa (rain) and the Kulama initiation ceremony. These themes are represented by large concentric circles that refer both to the yams prepared during the ceremony and to the large rings that appear around the moon in the late wet season, signaling the beginning of the Kulama season.

Collections:

• Musee des Confluences, Paris, France
• Charles Darwin University, Darwin
• Murdoch University, Perth
• Edith Cowan University Art Collection, Perth
• Wesfarmers Collection, Perth
• National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
• National Gallery of Australia, Canberra
• Artbank Australia
• Queensland University Art Museum
• Stokes Collection, Victoria
• Kerry Stokes Collection, Perth, WA

Solo Exhibitions:

• 2012: "Conrad Tipungwuti - Chasing Dots," Seva Frangos Art, Perth
• 2013: Aboriginal and Pacific Art, Sydney, NSW