Tjunka Lewis (1927 - 2012)

TAWAL-TAWAL, 2012

synthetic polymer paint on canvas
bears inscription verso: artist’s name, size and Warakurna Artists cat. 473 – 12

101.5 x 101.5 cm

Warakurna Artists, Warakurna, Western Australia
Aboriginal and Pacific Art, Sydney
Maclean collection, Melbourne, acquired from the above in 2012

Warakurna and Wanarn Group Show, Aboriginal and Pacific Art, Sydney, 20 November – 8 December 2012

This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Warakurna Artists, Warakurna, Western Australia which states: ‘Tjunka Lewis is from Papulankutja/Blackstone. He is famous for his beautiful wood carving and spear making. He worked for many years in Blackstone and originally painted with Papulankutja Artists until he went to Wanarn.

This painting is from Tjunka’s country. Tommy Mitchell says this painting is about Tjunka’s country and a special place called Tawal, not far from Wakalpuka. All the emu boys were sitting down together. The emu boys started running when they heard a whistle. They started running towards Mt Aloysius, that’s a nyii nyii place (finches). One of the boys broke his leg. He must be still there!’

This item is located at our Melbourne Gallery