This painting depicts designs associated with the rockhole site of Tarkul,
north of Mt. Webb in Western Australia. In mythological times a large group
of Tingari Men camped at this site before travelling to Lake Mackay. At Tarkul
an owl is surprised by the men who discover him underground. He flew away to
the north.
PROVENANCE
Papunya Tula Artists Pty Ltd., Alice Springs, painted at Kintore.Catalogue
Number GT0107110
George Tjapanangka was born in country on the eastern side of Lake
Mackay. His parents were of mixed Warlpiri and Pintupi descent and
his first contact
with European people was on Warlpiri country when his family group met a
government patrol travelling on camels and horses. It was estimated
at the time he was
about 12 years old. In his mid 20’s he moved in to Yuendumu with a later
patrol headed by Jeremy Long. He worked on Mt. Doreen station as a cattleman
and later on building sites in Yuendumu. In 1999 George contributed to the
Kintore mens’ painting as part of the Western Desert Dialysis Appeal.
