Joseph Jurra Tjapaltjarri

Yunarla

2007

This is for all the people in America looking at the pictures, all the canvases. Kulila (listen), this is our Tjukurrpa (Dreaming), martupura (important) Tjukurrpa from the old people, men and women. The Tingarri came from the bush a long time ago, and that’s why we started painting. Painting makes everyone think about the old people. The company is good for the old painters. They like it. They say, “I want to paint him, martupura.”

JOSEPH JURRA TJAPALTJARRI

Language Group: Pintupi
Date: Born 1952

Joseph Jurra Tjapaltjarri was born at Kiwirrkurra, but was led to Papunya in 1962 by Jeremy Long’s Welfare Patrol. After observing the founding members at work, Joseph Jurra began painting for Papunya Tula Artists in 1986. He quickly rose to prominence for his innovative take on classical Tingarri designs but is best known for his rhythmic patterns that evoke the hazy atmosphere of the hot desert. Joseph Jurra served as chairman for Papunya Tula Artists in 1999 and 2000. He was a part of the John Weber Gallery exhibition in 1989 and that same year received a solo show at the Gallery Gabrielle Pizzi. All of Joseph's three sisters have painted for Papunya Tula Artists, as well as his son, Adrian Jurra Tjungurrayi.

JOSEPH JURRA TJAPALTJARRI,
Yunarla, 2007

Synthetic polymer paint on canvas. 60 × 48 in. (153 × 122 cm).
Collection of Richard Klingler and Jane Slatter.

Joseph Jurra Tjapaltjarri.

Photo by Paul Sweeney, courtesy of Papunya Tula Artists.

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