Tommy Watson 'Warnka Tjukurpa' Print

Tommy Watson
Region: Irrunytju, WA
Language Group: Pitjantjatjara

Tommy Watson, a senior APY Lands painter, was born in Western Australia in 1935. He grew up living a traditional life and was taught spiritual and tribal law teachings by his ancestors. Tommy began painting in his 60s, with a great knowledge of the Contemporary Aboriginal Movement. His iconic work represents his in-depth knowledge of his land, with large dots in red, pink, and orange. Tommy was a NATSIAA finalist in 2002 and commissioned to produced artwork for Musee du Quai Branly in Paris. His work is held in permanent collections across Australia, including the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the National Gallery of Victoria. Tommy sadly passed away in late 2017.

Tide Lines (Ngura Series), 2020
Artist's Statement:

"My grandfather's country, grandmother's country. When they were alive, they would take me around the country, which I was a kid. That's why we look after country, go out whenever we can. See if the rock holes are good."

"This is my ngura (land). Apu Wirunja my beautiful country. Lots of Tjukurpa here. Ngayulu Iritjita (yangu palaku) Ngura thuta tjinaku ankupai. Long time ago I was young fella I used to walk all through this land. Ngura wirunja (beautiful country) and up there is Lake Amadeus (kapi piti pulkanja). Big water when it rain. Marlu tjuta wakanu (I speared my kangaroos here) mai pulka kaninji. Locks of tucker here. Thisi s my country around Anamarapiti: all the rockholes here. This is where I grew up in this country. This is really good country. I want to paint these stories so that others can learn and understand about our culture and country."

           – Tommy Watson in Color Power, 2002

 

Dimensions: 12" x 16"

Includes exhibition logo on the back.

Royalties of the sale of this product benefit the artist and their family.

Printed in the USA

Exhibition Opens May 9, 2025 THE LUME Indianapolis Featuring Connection: Land, Water, Sky Art & Culture from Indigenous Australians Learn More & Reserve Tickets