Lake Mackay 2001 by Walala Tjapaltjarri, 76x61cm Cat 6018WT

"Lake Mackay, 2001" by Walala Tjapaltjarri is a captivating piece featuring yellow ochre and white on a deep brownish-black background. This painting reflects Walala's deep connection to his ancestral home, Lake Mackay, a place where he and his family lived a traditional life until 1984. They made world headlines as "The Last of the Nomads" when they walked out of the desert.

The subject of this painting is tied to a Jukurrpa (Dreaming) event in the Tingari Cycle, specifically related to Wilkinkarra (Lake Mackay) in Western Australia. The story depicted involves two old Tingari men hunting Marlu (Kangaroo) by burning the spinifex country with fire sticks to flush out their game. The hunt led them north to Derby in the Kimberley region, passing through Balgo Hills and Halls Creek.

Walala's use of yellow ochre and white on the dark background creates a striking contrast, symbolizing the vastness and sacredness of Lake Mackay. The painting serves as both a physical and spiritual map, capturing the essence of the landscape and the deep cultural significance of the Tingari Cycle. Walala's confident and bold strokes reflect his sureness of being and knowing, characteristic of his work during this period.