Don Tjungurrayi

Yantjipirri

1985

Yantjipirri is located west of the community of Yuendumu. In this work, the artist has depicted ceremonial men–indicated by U shapes–who care for the site and the sacred objects stored there. Two Wanatjantji (ceremonial poles) are shown, placed into the ground by men during ceremonies, along with Pinkirrpi, small sticks decorated with feathers which are attached to the Wanatjantji. These ceremonies are associated with the higher-education of young men who have already passed through their initiation rites and are seeking the deeper cultural knowledge of adulthood.

Language Groups: Warlpiri and Luritja
Dates: 1939–2020

Don Tjungurrayi was born at the Old Telegraph Station on the outskirts of Mparntwe (Alice Springs). He attended school at Yuendumu and later worked as a stockman at Haasts Bluff and nearby stations. When he came to Papunya with his wife, Entalura Nagala, he found work in the communal kitchen. Entalura was a painter in her own right and was an important woman painter for the Papunya Tula company in the 1980s and 1990s. Don was very influenced by Paddy Carroll Tjungurrayi, a close friend who taught him to paint, and with whom Don would occasionally share a home at Three Mile Bore. Don’s uncle on his mother's side was Mick Wallankarri Tjakamarra, one of the most recognized original Papuyna Artists. Don won the prestigious Alice Prize in 1986.

Biographical information sourced from Vivien Johnson, Lives of the Papunya Tula Artists. Alice Springs: IAD Press, 2008.

DON TJUNGURRAYI, Yantjipirri, 1985

Synthetic polymer paint on canvas.
59 7/8 × 71 3/4 in. (152 × 182 cm).
Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection.
Gift of John W. Kluge, 1997.
1989.7008.003.

Don Tjungurrayi holding one of his paintings at Papunya, Northern Territory.

Photo by Joyce Evans.

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