William Sandy Tjapaltjarri

Bush Tucker Dreaming at Wingellina

1988

"What I have always loved about this work is the way it effortlessly straddles differing aesthetic worlds. At first glance, it appears to be two paintings jostling to occupy the same space. By focusing intently on one of the roundels, the viewer can coax them into interacting, so that one layer appears to float on top while the other recedes to the background, and then, into switching places through a classic figure-ground reversal. The curvature of the jagged lines separating the two layers gives the interior form a slightly concave or convex appearance, depending on your perspective. Yet look again and realize these are not lines—they are seedpods of a bush bean called walkapiri (Rhyncharrhena linearis). Though not a particularly relished food, walkapiri has therapeutic qualities, such as preventing scurvy. Noticing these organic forms awakens me to the artist’s intention and focus. In this painting, Sandy demonstrates Indigenous ways of knowing and seeing that personalize his relationship to Country and the nourishing resources it provides."

MARGO SMITH AM

Language Group: Ptjantjatjara
Date: 1944

Born in the desert near Ernabella, William Sandy Tjapaltjarri claims Irrintju as his country on his father's side and Kunapi as his country on his mother's side. William Sandy grew up walking around these places, as well as further north near Utju and Haasts Bluff, until settling with his family in Ernabella and attending mission school. In 1973, William Sandy relocated to Papunya and began to paint privately in 1975, officially joining Papunya Tula Artists in March 1981. William paints Dingo, Emu, Woman, Green Bean, and other Dreaming stories for Irrintju and Kunapi, and is known for his slow, meticulous painting style. A prolific artist, William Sandy was included in the famous Dreamings show in New York in 1988 and has since held solo exhibitions in Australia. In addition to painting, he worked for the Papunya Council as school yardman and as a healthcare worker alongside his wife Violet Kantawarra Nakamarra. Together, the couple have a son, two daughters, and several grandchildren. While William Sandy has sold work through Warumpi Arts and private galleries for the last decade, he still occasionally paints for Papunya Tula Artists.

WILLIAM SANDY TJAPALTJARRI, Bush Tucker Dreaming at Wingellina, 1988

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