Wilkinkarra 2006 by Tjumpo Tjapanangka, 80x30cm 10415TT

Wilkinkarra 2006 by Tjumpo Tjapanangka, 80x30cm

Tjumpo, a senior and highly regarded Law man and also a Maparn (traditional healer), has painted some of his country south of Balgo, close to Wilkinkarra (Lake Mackay). Marruwa is the general name for this country and is a major Tingari place. The many lines in the underlying of the painting represent the tali (sandhills) that dominate this country.

The colour palette and minimalist representation of his desert region is classic in Tjumpo Tjapanangka's artwork, alluding to the elemental forces within his sacred country.

Tjumpo spent his formative years in the Great Sandy and Gibson Deserts hunting for goanna, porcupine, wallaby, pussycat and recalls the construction of spinifex and med shelters for the wet season. His country is around Wilkinkarra (Lake McKay)and he is a senior custodian for this country, its Tjukurrpa (Dreaming) stories and ceremonies. He came to Balgo as a result of the local priest Father Alphonse, sending people out into the bush with supplies of flour, sugar and tea to attract Aboriignal people tothe mission. Shortly afterwards, in 1948, a large group of people from the west, east, north and south came to live at the old mission of Tjumunturr. It was here he met his wife Ningie Nangala and together they had five children and grew up another four children from Ningie's first relationship.

Tjumpo began painting i 1986, around the time many of the senior men commenced painting at Balso. His work resonates with power through the formal application of paint and he has become one of the most recognised and sought after aftists from Warlayirti Artists.

Provenance is Warlayirti Artists, Balgo Cat # 515/06