Long Tom Tjapanangka
Puli Tjunta, 2000
Acrylic on canvas
213.4 x 213.4 cm
84 x 84 in
84 x 84 in
Born circa 1930 Language group: Ngaatjatjarra/Pintupi Country: Lupul Born circa 1930 at Lupul in the Frederick Ranges on the Northern Territory/Western Australian border, he travelled on foot to Haasts Bluff...
Born circa 1930
Language group: Ngaatjatjarra/Pintupi
Country: Lupul
Born circa 1930 at Lupul in the Frederick Ranges on the Northern Territory/Western Australian border, he travelled on foot to Haasts Bluff as a young man. He has been 'all over', working as a stockman, policeman, labourer and painter from Queensland to Melbourne, moving from ration depots and cattle stations to rock holes and along desert trails. He now lives in Mt Liebig.
He was the overall winner of the 16th Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award, held at the Museum and Art Galleries of the Northern Territory in Darwin in September 1999.
Over the past couple of years Mitjili Napurrula, his second wife, has assisted him in the final stages of his paintings, laying down the 'background' colour on top to his instructions. He is encouraging and appreciative of her input, as it signifies his status and relieves him from having to work when his eyes began to trouble him.
About the painting - Puli Tjuta
This painting means many hills. Long Tom does not paint his Dreamings because they are “too scary”. The Snake Tingari is very important in Aboriginal law. It travels over vast stretches of country, performing rituals and creating and shaping particular sites. The Snake eventually ends up going underground in the mountains of Long Tom’s country.
Language group: Ngaatjatjarra/Pintupi
Country: Lupul
Born circa 1930 at Lupul in the Frederick Ranges on the Northern Territory/Western Australian border, he travelled on foot to Haasts Bluff as a young man. He has been 'all over', working as a stockman, policeman, labourer and painter from Queensland to Melbourne, moving from ration depots and cattle stations to rock holes and along desert trails. He now lives in Mt Liebig.
He was the overall winner of the 16th Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award, held at the Museum and Art Galleries of the Northern Territory in Darwin in September 1999.
Over the past couple of years Mitjili Napurrula, his second wife, has assisted him in the final stages of his paintings, laying down the 'background' colour on top to his instructions. He is encouraging and appreciative of her input, as it signifies his status and relieves him from having to work when his eyes began to trouble him.
About the painting - Puli Tjuta
This painting means many hills. Long Tom does not paint his Dreamings because they are “too scary”. The Snake Tingari is very important in Aboriginal law. It travels over vast stretches of country, performing rituals and creating and shaping particular sites. The Snake eventually ends up going underground in the mountains of Long Tom’s country.