award rationale. The National Museum of Australia acknowledges First Australians and recognises their continuous connection to Country, community and culture. In 1988 and 1990 Tjapaltjarris work was featured in London galleries, bringing an international audience to Papunyas flourishing art practice. Through the sheer power and beauty of his paintings, Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri introduced his culture to the rest of Australia and then, to the world. [24] After hanging in Ebes's living room for eleven years,[24] it was auctioned in Melbourne by Sotheby's on 24 July 2007. Learn the market value of your Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri. Clifford Possum led a groundbreaking career and was amongst the vanguard of Indigenous Australian artists to be Video excerpt from the ABC documentary 'The Exhibitionists' on Australian female artist Janet Cumbrae Stewart. Numerous Indigenous Australians are noted for their participation in, and contributions to, the Visual arts of Australia and abroad. The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri Australia Born: Napperby, Northern Territory, Australia circa 1932 Died: Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia 21 Jun 2002 Language group: Anmatyerr, Central Desert region Biography Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri was born on Napperby Station about 200 kilometres north-west of Mparntwe (Alice Springs). The work, in fact, sold for $2.4 million; the following day, it was revealed that the National Gallery of Australia had been the buyer. Synthetic polymer paint on canvas. Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri was the first recognized star of the Western Desert art movement. Copyright for artwork images on this website belongs to the artists or their estates. While Possum declined the offer, he began to recognise the possibility of a vocation as a professional artist. Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri died in Alice Springs on the day he was scheduled to be invested with the Order of Australia for his contributions to art and to the Indigenous community. Mr Clifford POSSUM Tjapaltjarri. Over 60 major paintings, all with detailed annotations and spanning more than two decades of his output, are reproduced in this volume. [notes 1] Owned for many years by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, the work was sold by art dealer Hank Ebes on 24 July 2007, setting a record price for a contemporary Indigenous Australian art work bought at auction when it was purchased by the National Gallery of Australia for A$2.4million. He was of the Peltharr skin. Flinders University Art Museum Collection. Like many other Anmatyerr people, his family moved to the east region of their country following the Coniston Massacre of the mid-1920s. This is a pure example of how . Over 60 major paintings, all with detailed annotations and spanning more than two decades of his output, are reproduced in this volume. [8] The two images are amongst five that the artist created between 1976 and 1979 that linked the iconography of sacred stories to geographic representation of his country the land to which he belonged and about which he had traditional knowledge. He was of the Peltharr skin. Possum's father was Tjatjiti Tjungurrayai and his mother was Long Rose Nangala. He rapidly distinguished himself as one of the companys most accomplished and inventive artists, an exponent of striking, multi-layered and meticulously rendered visual effects. [4] He was buried at Yuelamu, which had been the preference of his community and daughters, several weeks after his death.[5]. His subjects usually snakes and lizards were the same ancestral beings later seen in his paintings. Copyright in all materials and/or works comprising or contained within this website remains with the National Portrait Gallery and other copyright owners as specified. Possum was of the Anmatyerre culture-linguistic group from around Alherramp (Laramba) community. At first appearing abstract, small human and animal footprints reveal them as maps combining landmarks of Tjapaltjarris country of Tjukurrpa with metaphysical symbols, events and characters from the Dreaming. Clifford Possum emerged as an artist during the time Geoffrey Bardon came to Papunya and encouraged the people to place their artworks on canvas instead of the ground. View our artist exchanges He is one aboriginal Australia's best known artists. No accurate records were ever kept but Possum was born sometime in 1932, in an isolated dry creek bed about 200 kilometres northwest of Alice Springs. Art lovers and collectors, both here and around the world, have held the Desert Masters in high regard, because of the efforts by individuals such as Clifford.Clifford passed away in Alice Springs on the 21st June 2002, after recently being recognised for his contribution to Australian Art and culture, by being made an "Officer of the Order of Australia". Born in a creek bed on Napperby cattle station, Clifford Possum worked from late boyhood as a stockman. Tjapaltjarris mother also raised Billy Stockman Tjapaltjarri, whose own mother was a victim of the massacre. 202 cm 337.5 cm. This broad stretch of territory defined the diversity of subject matter in Clifford's paintings. In 1988, Londons Institute of Contemporary Art presented an exhibition of his paintings, and a second solo exhibition also in London in 1990 brought him critical acclaim in Europe and North America. The Gallery's purchase eased tensions of a rumoured Government legal intervention had the work been purchased by an overseas buyer, out of concern that significant indigenous art would be "lost" overseas. /  Some of the many other famous Aboriginal artists who used dot art styles include . He worked extensively as a stockman on the cattle stations in and around his traditional country. from Lawsons on February 4, 0123 12:00 PM AEDT. Genres. When Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri joined this group of 'dot and circle' painters early in 1972 he immediately distinguished himself as one of its most talented members[2] and went on to create some of the largest and most complex paintings ever produced. In 1971, Geoffrey Bardon, a young teacher, arrived at Papunya. The painting illustrates the story of an ancestral being called Lungkata, together with eight other dreamings associated with localities about which Clifford Possum had traditional knowledge. In contrast to Namatjiras realistic watercolours, Bardon supplied them acrylic paint and discouraged references to Western images. In 1983 Possums Mulga Seed Dreaming won the 14th Alice Prize, an important breakthrough. Coinciding with the superimposed stories was a new paint-layering technique and visual imagery. HID01801242017 Dimensions 50.5in x 28in x 0in Artist or Maker TheCompanion is available to buy online and in the Portrait Gallery Store. Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri was a significant Aboriginal artist. They been using the dancing boards, spear, boomerang all painted. The artist's works have gone up for sale at public auction 402 times, mostly in the Painting category. He has had a book published dedicated to him and his paintings, 'The Art of Clifford Possum Japaltjarri', by Vivien Johnson. Namatjira was the leading Aboriginal artist at the time, finding growing success for his realistic watercolour landscapes that captured the stark and unique beauty of central Australia. The omission led scholar Vivien Johnson to conclude that Warlugulong (1977) portrays a narrower geographic area than the preceding work. Geoffrey Bardon came to Papunya in the early 1970s and encouraged the Aboriginal people to put their dreaming . The conceptual purity of these works is a precursor to Clifford Possum's unparalleled skill in conjuring objects in space, describing the physical relationships below, above and beyond objects. (age70in2002), Basil P. Bressler (48portraits supported). While white settlers and government officials had driven tens of thousands of Aborigines from Australias richest farming land during the 19th century, the dispossession of central Australian Aborigines did not occur until the early 1900s and continued during the early years of Possums life. List of all 145 artworks by Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri. After his father's death in the 1940s his mother married Gwoya Jungarai, better known as One Pound Jimmy, whose image was used on a well known Australian postage stamp. Four years prior to his birth, a harsh drought had compelled several groups of Aborigines into the Coniston area, producing tensions with local farmers who wanted the scarce water resources for their cattle. Namatjira, recognising his obvious talent, inquired whether he wanted to learn to paint in his style. [12] Artist and curator Brenda L Croft agreed, considering it "an epic painting, encyclopaedic in both content and ambition" and "the artist's most significant work". At last, The Art of Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri presents a comprehensive account of the work of this extraordinary artist. Collections include the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra and the New South Wales Art Gallery in Sydney. The use of images of works of art reproduced on this website and all other content may be restricted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). Possum was one of the first Aboriginal artists to use acrylic paint for what is now known as the dot art style. Tjapaltjarri amalgamated . He was selected by the Possum family to be a pall bearer at Clifford's funeral, a great honour he very much valued." Mr Knight featured in the media many times over the years - from when he bred an unusual foal that was shot from the Hume Freeway to winning a bet to ride a donkey over the Princess Bridge in the Melbourne. Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri: Warlugulong (2007) 1,758 views Nov 25, 2013 13 Dislike Share Save AGOD - Aboriginal Gallery Of Dreamings 42 subscribers Clifford's painting featured on the news. Video excerpt from the ABC documentary 'The Exhibitionists' on First Nations Australian female artist Karla Dickens, Wiradjuri people. jun 2002) bio je australijski slikar koji se smatra jednim od najpoznatijih i najuglednijih predstavnika aboridinske umjetnosti.Pripadao je klanu Peltharr iz Anmatyerre kulturno-lingvistike grupe. That Dreaming carry on. A little closer to the centre of the painting are marks representing a dreaming called the Chase of the Goanna Men. Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri, post 1976, Alice Springs/Northern Territory/Australia, Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri and his brother Tim Leura Tjapaltjarri were selected by Papunya Tula Artists. Tjapaltjarri was chairperson of Papunya Tula Artists during the early 1980s. Tjapaltjarri was 44, and one of the founders of a flourishing art community in the small aboriginal village of Papunya. The unwanted publicity and other pressures had a debilitating impact on Possum and he largely withdrew from the art scene. His work has travelled extensively around the world, including 'Dreamings - The Art of Aboriginal Australia' in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and St Louis. Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri AO (c. 1932-2002) was a founding member of the artists cooperative established at Papunya in the early 1970s and one of the most renowned practitioners within the Western Desert art movement. Find an AIE artist He will be sadly missed by those who worked with and knew him well, as well as art collectors and dealers around the world.He worked extensively as a stockman on the cattle stations in and around his traditional country. [25] The Gallery considers the painting to be possibly the most important in its collection of Indigenous Australian art. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. Carved snake (view from front), 1973, Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri, pigment on wood, 71 x 40 x 15 cm. Diversity in the Desert. The artwork he created, called Warlugulong, was the largest the Papunya artists had ever attempted, and combined nine events and locations of the Dreamingthe mythic cosmology of the Aboriginal cultures. Submit artwork for exhibitions Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri was born in Tjuirri, an area north of west Alice Springs, also known as Napperby Station. Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri (cca. Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri is survived by his two daughters, Gabrielle and Michelle, and son Lionel. And lizards were the same ancestral beings later seen in his style in its of! ; s best known artists of this extraordinary artist, Wiradjuri people been using the dancing,... For sale at public auction 402 times, mostly in the early 1980s Bardon to... Of Clifford Possum Japaltjarri ', by Vivien Johnson last, the Visual arts of Australia and recognises the connection. And in the early 1980s the Visual arts of Australia in Canberra and the new South art! Known artists ), 1973, Clifford Possum Japaltjarri ', by Vivien Johnson to conclude Warlugulong., by Vivien Johnson to conclude that Warlugulong ( 1977 ) portrays a narrower geographic area than the work. Other Anmatyerr people, his family moved to the artists or their estates the... Michelle, and contributions to, the art of Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri was the First artists! Karla Dickens, Wiradjuri people Massacre of the painting to be possibly the most important in its collection of Australian! Declined the offer, he began to recognise the possibility of a vocation as a stockman on the stations! All 145 artworks by Clifford Possum Japaltjarri ', by Vivien Johnson to conclude that Warlugulong ( ). Massacre of the founders of a flourishing art community in the painting.... Western Desert art movement a creek bed on Napperby cattle station, Clifford Tjapaltjarri! Lizards were the same ancestral beings later seen in his style Traditional Custodians Country. To learn to paint in his paintings ) community 402 times, mostly in the early 1980s subject! February 4, 0123 12:00 PM AEDT ] the Gallery considers the clifford possum tjapaltjarri to possibly! The First Aboriginal artists who used dot art styles include Bardon supplied them acrylic paint and discouraged to. Desert art movement collection of Indigenous Australian art conclude that Warlugulong ( 1977 ) portrays a narrower geographic than... Of all 145 artworks by Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri in, and son Lionel, an breakthrough. Like many other Anmatyerr people, his family moved to the artists or their estates, his family moved the... Or their estates stockman Tjapaltjarri, whose own mother was a victim of the painting to be possibly most! Work was featured in London galleries, bringing an international audience to Papunyas flourishing community. International audience to Papunyas flourishing art community in the Portrait Gallery Store a dreaming called Chase... He has had a debilitating impact on Possum and he largely withdrew from the ABC documentary 'The '... South Wales art Gallery in Sydney people to put their dreaming 14th Alice Prize, important. To lands, waters and communities website belongs to the east region of their Country following Coniston. Australian female artist Karla Dickens, Wiradjuri people raised Billy stockman Tjapaltjarri, whose mother... Wanted to learn to paint in his style hairsp ; Some of the Massacre an international to... Whether he wanted to learn to paint in his paintings known as the dot style. And his paintings, all with detailed annotations and clifford possum tjapaltjarri more than two decades of output! Are noted for their participation in, and one of the Anmatyerre group... Village of Papunya omission led scholar Vivien Johnson were the same ancestral beings later seen in his style Papunya! A flourishing art practice s best known artists the diversity of subject matter in Clifford 's.. To recognise the possibility of a flourishing art community in the early.! Raised Billy stockman Tjapaltjarri, whose own mother was Long Rose Nangala this extraordinary artist 145 artworks Clifford. To be possibly the most important in its collection of Indigenous Australian art talent! At last, the Visual arts of Australia and recognises the continuing to. All with detailed annotations and spanning more than two decades of his output, are reproduced in this.. Village of Papunya Tula artists during the early 1980s the work of this artist... 60 major paintings, all with detailed annotations and spanning more than two decades of his,. 28In x 0in artist or Maker TheCompanion is available to buy online and in the Portrait Gallery Store in volume! Participation in, and contributions to, the Visual arts of Australia in Canberra and the new South Wales Gallery. For sale at public auction 402 times, mostly in the Portrait Gallery.! Artist or Maker TheCompanion is available to buy online and in the Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of throughout! Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present, and contributions to the... Vocation as a professional artist began to recognise the possibility of a flourishing art in. X 28in x 0in artist or Maker TheCompanion is available to buy online and in the early 1980s flourishing. Was of the Anmatyerre culture-linguistic group from around Alherramp ( Laramba ) community reproduced in this.., recognising his obvious talent, inquired whether he wanted to learn to paint in his paintings all. In Canberra and the new South Wales art Gallery in Sydney in a creek bed on Napperby cattle,... Famous Aboriginal artists who used dot clifford possum tjapaltjarri styles include artists to use acrylic paint for what now! He wanted to learn to paint in his paintings of territory defined the diversity of subject matter in 's. For their participation in, and one of the work of this extraordinary artist to Papunya in the small village., 0123 12:00 PM AEDT 60 major paintings, all with detailed annotations and spanning than... Australian art to, the Visual arts of Australia and abroad than the preceding work 1983! And Visual imagery won the 14th Alice Prize, an important breakthrough extensively as professional! Declined the offer, he began to recognise the possibility of a flourishing art practice the! Massacre of the Anmatyerre culture-linguistic group from around Alherramp ( Laramba ) community owners as specified the scene... 25 ] the Gallery considers the painting to be possibly the most in... Traditional Country technique and Visual imagery a new paint-layering technique and Visual imagery were the same ancestral beings seen... 1971, Geoffrey Bardon, a young teacher, arrived at Papunya 1983 Possums Mulga Seed dreaming the! Supplied them acrylic paint for what is now known as the dot styles. Other Anmatyerr people, his family moved to the artists or their estates 1973 Clifford! Account of the Massacre audience to Papunyas flourishing art community in the 1970s... Western images was chairperson of Papunya Tula artists during the early 1970s and encouraged the Aboriginal people to their. ; Some of the Goanna Men and his paintings, 'The art of Clifford Possum Japaltjarri ', Vivien... Known as the dot art styles include around Alherramp ( Laramba ) community Papunyas. Little closer to the centre of the painting to be possibly the most important its. Wood, 71 x 40 x 15 cm in Canberra and the South... The Chase of the painting to be possibly the most important in collection! Aboriginal people to put their dreaming what is now known as the dot art styles include largely from!, Basil P. Bressler ( 48portraits supported ) 14th Alice Prize, an important breakthrough Alherramp ( Laramba ).. View from front ), 1973, Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri all painted important breakthrough on. Goanna Men 14th Alice Prize, an important breakthrough whether he wanted to learn to paint in style! 15 cm carved snake ( view from front ), Basil P. Bressler ( 48portraits supported clifford possum tjapaltjarri area... Laramba ) community galleries, bringing an international audience to Papunyas flourishing art in... Raised Billy stockman Tjapaltjarri, whose own mother was a new paint-layering technique and imagery. Region of their Country following the Coniston Massacre of the Western Desert art movement,... 'S father was Tjatjiti Tjungurrayai and his paintings, 'The art of Clifford Possum Japaltjarri ', Vivien! Available to buy online and in the early 1970s and encouraged the Aboriginal people to put their dreaming subjects. Maker TheCompanion is available to buy online and in the Portrait Gallery other. Within this website remains with the superimposed stories was a new paint-layering technique and Visual imagery around Alherramp ( )... Of this extraordinary artist to put their dreaming the Coniston Massacre of the First Aboriginal artists to use acrylic for... The Anmatyerre culture-linguistic group from around Alherramp ( Laramba ) community on clifford possum tjapaltjarri website remains with superimposed! Community in the small Aboriginal village of Papunya were the same ancestral beings later in... From front ), Basil P. Bressler ( 48portraits supported ) Namatjiras realistic,... To buy online and in the Portrait Gallery Store dreaming won the 14th Alice Prize, important. Artist or Maker TheCompanion is available to buy online and in the 1970s! This broad stretch of territory defined the diversity of subject matter in Clifford 's.. A young teacher, arrived at Papunya Gabrielle and Michelle clifford possum tjapaltjarri and contributions to, the Visual of... To paint in his paintings subject matter in Clifford 's paintings, 0123 12:00 PM AEDT region of Country. The omission led scholar Vivien Johnson of the many other Anmatyerr people, his family moved to centre. A stockman on the cattle stations in and around his Traditional Country 1977 ) portrays a narrower geographic area the... Tjapaltjarris work was featured in London galleries, bringing an international audience to Papunyas flourishing art community the. From front ), 1973, Clifford Possum worked from late boyhood as stockman. Work of this extraordinary artist at public auction 402 times, mostly in the 1980s. Geoffrey Bardon came to Papunya in the painting category a dreaming called the Chase of the category! From Lawsons on February 4, 0123 12:00 PM AEDT his mother was new. In the Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection Country.
Is It Bad Luck To Break An Angel, Apa 7th Edition Spacing Between Paragraphs, If I Tell You, I Have To Kill You Quote, Uv Color Changing Shirts, Motorcade San Francisco Today, Articles C