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RONNIE TJAMPITJINPA (born circa 1940)
Acrylic on Belgian linen
122 x 91 cm

This painting relates to water Dreaming at the site of Wilkinkarra or (Lake Mackay), north of Mt. Webb in Western Australia. The designs in the painting represent those which are worn on the body by men participating in ceremonies at the site. During mythological times Tingari men travelled to Wilkinkarra from the west after passing through the Kiwirrkura area. Since events associated with the Tingari Cycle are of a secret nature no further details are given.

PROVENANCE
Papunya Tula Artists Pty. Ltd., Alice Springs, painted at Kintore 2005,
Certificate number RT0504199

Ronnie was born at Tjiturrunya west of Mawuyan, across the Northern Territory border in Western Australia. He spent most of his formative years as a nomad in the remote desert surrounding his birthplace. He was initiated at the Winparku area of Western Australia. Due to drought conditions in the 1950’s, he and his family walked into Haasts Bluff where he worked as a stockman. Ronnie and his family were then moved to the newly formed Papunya settlement in the early 1960’s where he worked as a fencer, making yards for cattle. Ronnie commenced painting in 1971.

REPRESENTED
National Gallery of Australia
National Gallery of Victoria
Art Gallery of South Australia
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Art Gallery of Western Australia
Queensland Art Gallery
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
Araluen Collection, Alice Springs
Robert Holmes à Court Collection
Groninger Museum, The Netherlands
Aboriginal Art Museum, The Netherlands
Musee National des Arts d’Afrique et d’Oceanie, Paris