Charlie Tjapangati (born c.1949)

PALIPALINTJANYA ROCKHOLE, 2004

synthetic polymer paint on linen

137.0 x 122.0 cm

bears inscription verso: artist’s name, size and Papunya Tula Artists cat. CT041126

Painted at Kintore, Northern Territory in 2004
Papunya Tula Artists, Alice Springs
Gallery Gabrielle Pizzi, Melbourne (label attached on stretcher bar verso)
Private collection, Melbourne

This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Papunya Tula Artists, Alice Springs, which states:

‘This painting depicts designs associated with the swamp and rockhole site of Palipalintjanya, just west of Jupiter Well. During mythological times, a large group of Tingari Men camped at this site before travelling south, then turning east passing through Yunala, Kiwirrkura and then north-east to Tarkul and Wilkinkarra (Lake Mackay). The shapes in the work represent four large rocks at the site of Yunala.
Since events associated with the Tingari Cycle are of a secret nature no further detail was given.

Generally, the Tingari are a group of mythical characters of the Dreaming who travelled over vast stretches of the country, performing rituals and creating and shaping particular sites. The Tingari Men were usually followed by Tingari Women and accompanied by novices and their travels and adventures are enshrined in a number of song cycles. These mythologies form part of the teachings of the post initiatory youths today as well as providing explanations for contemporary customs.’