Browse By
Acrylic on Linen
152 x 121 cm
A$8,800 Buy NowAcrylic on Canvas
150 x 200 cm
Sold SoldAcrylic on Linen
183 x 244 cm
Sold SoldAcrylic on Linen
90 x 90 cm
Sold SoldAcrylic on Linen
92 x 122 cm
Sold SoldAcrylic on Linen
182 x 305 cm
Sold SoldAcrylic on Linen
182 x 304 cm
Sold SoldHaven't found what you're looking for?
Contact a consultant about other ways to acquire an artist's artwork.
Acrylic on Linen
183 x 243 cm
A$44,000 Buy Now
Acrylic on Linen
122 x 91 cm
A$12,000 Buy Now
Acrylic on Linen
152 x 91 cm
A$18,000 Buy Now
Acrylic on Canvas
83 x 63 cm Framed
A$7,500 Buy Now
BORN circa 1964
REGION Central and Western Desert
Thomas Tjapaltjarri was born sometime around 1964 in the Gibson Desert, Western Australia. Thomas and his family which includes fellow artists Warlimpirrnga, Walala, Yukultji, Yalti and Tjakaria led a completely nomadic life until they emerged from the desert, coming to Kiwirrkurra in 1984. Dubbed “the Last Nomads” or “the Pintupi nine”, they had had no contact with western society until this point. Amazingly, he transitioned from an utterly traditional lifestyle to commencing as an artist within a matter of a few years and painting the traditional stories of his people.
Thomas paints simple, geometric designs and uses a dotting technique shared with other Pintupi artists such as his brothers, Warlimpirrnga and Walala, and with Willy and George Ward Tjungurrayi. Thomas’s works explore the stories of the Tingari cycle. Tingari are the legendary beings of the Pintupi people that travelled the desert performing rituals, teaching law, creating landforms and shaping what would become ceremonial sites. As far as we can know, the meanings behind Tingari paintings are multi-layered, however, those meaning are not available to the uninitiated.
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
Thomas, along with his brothers Walala and Warlimpirringa, has exhibited widely in almost all aboriginal galleries in Australia and overseas. They include: Kate Owen Gallery, Sydney; Cooee Gallery, Sydney; Artitja Fine Art, WA; Aranda Art, Melbourne; Gallery Woo Mang, Paris; and many many more.
COLLECTIONS
Hank Ebes Collection, Melbourne, VIC
Similarly, Thomas’ work is widely collected both in Australia and overseas.
Always be the first to know about exhibitions, events and new art releases.
