Thomas Tjapaltjarri

Born approximately in 1964 in the Gibson Desert, Western Australia, Thomas Tjapaltjarri led a nomadic existence with his family, including fellow artists Warlimpirrnga, Walala, Yukultji, Yalti, and Tjakaria, until they emerged from the desert and settled in Kiwirrkurra in 1984. Known as "the Last Nomads" or "the Pintupi nine," they had no prior contact with Western society until this pivotal moment. Remarkably, Thomas made the transition from a wholly traditional lifestyle to embarking on an artistic journey within just a few years, capturing the traditional narratives of his people through painting.

Thomas employs simple, geometric designs and a dotting technique shared with other Pintupi artists like his brothers Warlimpirrnga and Walala, as well as Willy and George Ward Tjungurrayi. His artworks delve into the stories of the Tingari cycle, the legendary Dreamtime beings of the Pintupi people. These beings traversed the desert, performing rituals, imparting laws, shaping landforms, and establishing ceremonial sites. While the meanings behind Tingari paintings are multi-layered, they remain inaccessible to the uninitiated.

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