This painting depicts Possum Tjukurrpa (dreaming), Kayman's Tjukurrpa which he traces from North-West of Papunya, the country of his Mothers ancestors. Each of the colours represent different elements of the Possums habitat whilst he hunts for ants. The yellow and the red represent Tali (sandhills), the green represents Tjanpi (spinifex) and the blue represents Kapi (water).
In this painting, Snowy is depicting women sitting around a Honey Ant (Tjupi) hive, digging for the sweet bush food. There are lots of kids waiting around for them to find some. The horseshoe shapes represent the women and children, where the straight lines represent their digging sticks (kuturru). The circular shapes represent the ants' hive. Tjupi have special significance for Papunya, which is a Honey Ant Dreaming (Tjupi Tjukurrpa) site, part of a larger story that runs from South Australia to Papunya.
SALE
Justin Allen 63-19
Tjilirra
Synthetic polymer on marine plyboard with backing, ready to hang
This painting tells the story of Tjilirra (traditionally carved tools). On one side of the painting is a kali, and on the other a 'number seven' boomerang. In the centre of the canvas is a coolamon (carrying dish). Once essential items for survival in the western desert, these items still hold value today as powerful symbols of protection.
SALE
Justin Allen 64-19
Tjilirra
Synthetic polymer on marine plyboard with backing, ready to hang
This painting tells the story of Tjilirra (traditionally carved tools). On one side of the painting is a kali, and on the other a 'number seven' boomerang. In the centre of the canvas is a coolamon (carrying dish). Once essential items for survival in the western desert, these items still hold value today as powerful symbols of protection.
Here Duncan has painted the Tjukurrpa (Dreaming) he inherits from his Grandfather Turkey Toulson. Turkey was a pioneer of the Western Desert Dot painting movement and more specifically of works with strong line work.