Tommy Mitchell

Tommy Mitchell

Born around 1943 in the Warakurna side of Papulankutja, Tommy was a respected senior lawman who actively participated in traditional ceremonies and played a crucial role in passing on his Tjukurrpa (Dreaming stories) to his family. His artwork often reflects his deep connection to his mother’s and uncle Tjunka Lewis’s country, particularly a special place called Wakalpuka, a rockhole at the base of Wakalpuka. One of his notable stories involves the Patjarrtja (native quoll), which has become extinct in the region due to feral cats.

Tommy began painting with Warakurna Artists in mid-2005, quickly emerging as one of its senior artists. His paintings vividly depict the Tjukurrpa from his father's and mother's country, narrating the stories he was told in his childhood. He often recounted his experiences traveling around the sandhills (tali country) with his family, living a traditional bush life. He hunted marlu (kangaroo), rabbits, tirnka (small goanna), and native pussycat, and collected bush foods like tjarnmarta (bush onions), maku (bardi grubs), and kampurarrpa (bush raisins).

Tommy Mitchell lived in Warakurna with his family and passed away in 2013, leaving behind a rich legacy through his art and storytelling.

Collections:

• Kaplan Levi Collection
• National Gallery of Victoria
• Art Gallery of Western Australia