Paddy Tjapaltjarri Simms (c.1917 - 2010)

UNTITLED, 2005

synthetic polymer paint on linen

152.0 x 76.5 cm

bears inscription verso: artist’s name, size and Warlukurlangu Artists cat. 1787/05

Warlukurlangu Artists, Yuendumu, Northern Territory
Private collection, Sydney

This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Warlukurlangu Artists which states:

‘Yanjirlpiri, literally meaning a star, is the name of a group of hills west of Yuendumu, the country referred to in this painting. Yanjilpiri is associated with the initiation ceremonies of Japaljarri and Jungarrayi men. From Yanjilpiri the men travelled west as far as Lapilapi on the edge of Warlpiri country. During the initiation ceremonies men danced with spears and with the foliage of River Red Gums bound to their legs by Ngalyipi (snake vine). These are known as witi and are represented in this work by long straight lines. The stars underneath which the initiates dance are shown as white circles. The Dreaming belongs to Japaljarri/Jungarrayi moiety.’