Jarinyanu David Downs Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Jarinyanu David Downs Art Value Price Guide

Oct. 22, 2024
JARINYANU DAVID DOWNS (c.1925-1995) (Language group: Wangkajunga) Children of the Kurtal 1990 natural earth pigments on canvas 75.5...
Est: $6,000 - $9,000
JARINYANU DAVID DOWNS (c.1925-1995) (Language group: Wangkajunga) Children of the Kurtal 1990 natural earth pigments on canvas inscribed verso with artist's name and title 75.5 x 137cm PROVENANCE: Gallery Gondwana, Northern Territory (accompanied by a copy of the certificate of authenticity) Private collection, Melbourne OTHER NOTES: "Kurtal is a Storm Being from the Ngarrangkarni - the Walmajarri word from the Dreaming. He started out in coastal salt-marsh country in the north-west Kimberleys of Western Australia, and travelled south-east, creating a number of sites in country for which various different groups of people exercise primary responsibility. He also visited other Storm Beings associated with the region through which he travelled, making gifts of food and receiving in exchange important gifts to take with him. Janinyanu has painted here the birth of baby clouds. The children of Kurtal, a Storm Being is manifested in horseshoe - shaped "Wirlan" clouds. Kurtal is accompanied by dramatic displays of lightning, dusty wind, and rain. He is held responsible for and present within those particularly dramatic storms that usher in the break of the dry season." As stated on a copy of the Gallery Gondwana certificate of authenticity © David Downs/Copyright Agency, 2024
Leonard Joel
Mar. 19, 2024
DAVID DOWNS (c.1925-1995) Children of the Kurtal 1990 natural earth pigments on canvas 75.5 x 137cm
Est: $7,000 - $10,000
DAVID DOWNS (c.1925-1995) Children of the Kurtal 1990 natural earth pigments on canvas inscribed verso with artist's name and title 75.5 x 137cm PROVENANCE: Gallery Gondwana, Northern Territory (accompanied by a copy of the certificate of authenticity) Private collection, Melbourne OTHER NOTES: © David Downs/Copyright Agency, 2024 Kurtal is a Storm Being from the Ngarrangkarni - the Walmajarri word from the Dreaming. He started out in coastal salt-marsh country in the north-west Kimberleys of Western Australia, and travelled south-east, creating a number of sites in country for which various different groups of people exercise primary responsibility. He also visited other Storm Beings associated with the region through which he travelled, making gifts of food and receiving in exchange important gifts to take with him. Janinyanu has painted here the birth of baby clouds. The children of Kurtal, a Storm Being is manifested in horseshoe - shaped "Wirlan" clouds. Kurtal is accompanied by dramatic displays of lightning, dusty wind, and rain. He is held responsible for and present within those particularily dramatic storms that usher in the break of the dry season.
Leonard Joel
Jun. 22, 2023
Jarinyanu David Downs, 1925-1995, Pilajaha Ka (Kurtal, The Raining man)
Est: $300 - $500
Jarinyanu David Downs 1925-1995 Pilajaha Ka (Kurtal, The Raining man) acrylic on canvas Signed and titled verso, purchased at Kimberly Creations, Broome, Western Australia in 1996, and thence by descent, Private Collection, New York, NY.
Abell Auction
Nov. 29, 2022
Jarinyanu David Downs (circa 1925-1995) Gurdal, 1988
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
Jarinyanu David Downs (circa 1925-1995) Gurdal, 1988 signed verso: 'JARINYANU / DAVID DOWNS' inscribed verso: '42' x 33' 035/88 / COMMISSIONED BY DUNCAN KENTISH' synthetic polymer paint and natural earth pigments on linen 106.5 x 83.5cm (41 15/16 x 32 7/8in).
Bonhams
Sep. 29, 2022
DAVID DOWNS JARINYANU, SPIRITUAL FIGURE - KURTAL 1995, NATURAL EARTH PIGMENTS ON CANVAS, SIGNED VERSO, 60.5 X 50.5CM, FRAME SIZE: 62...
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
DAVID DOWNS JARINYANU, SPIRITUAL FIGURE - KURTAL 1995, NATURAL EARTH PIGMENTS ON CANVAS, SIGNED VERSO, 60.5 X 50.5CM, FRAME SIZE: 62 X 52CM PROVENANCE: PRIVATE COLLECTION, MELBOURNE
Leonard Joel
Sep. 19, 2022
Jarinyanu David Downs, Fitzroy Crossing (1925-1995), Piwi 1988, Linocut ed. 15/95
Est: $200 - $400
Jarinyanu David Downs Fitzroy Crossing, (1925-1995) Piwi 1988 Linocut ed. 15/95 Signed, titled & dated lower margin
Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers
May. 11, 2022
Jarinyanu David Downs (circa 1925-1995) Untitled (Walmatjari Warriors)
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
Jarinyanu David Downs (circa 1925-1995) Untitled (Walmatjari Warriors) natural earth pigments on carved wood length: 65.0cm (25 9/16in). For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
Bonhams
Dec. 08, 2020
JARINYANU DAVID DOWNS, UNTITLED, 1988
Est: $4,500 - $6,500
JARINYANU DAVID DOWNS (1925 – 1995) UNTITLED, 1988 natural earth pigments and synthetic polymer paint on composition board 70.0 x 92.5 cm PROVENANCE Painted in Broome, Western Australia, circa 1988 Goolarabooloo Aboriginal Arts, Broome, Western Australia Hunter collection, Sydney Sotheby's, Melbourne, 26 June 2000, lot 136 Private collection, Melbourne This work is located at our Melbourne Gallery © Jarinyanu David Downs/Copyright Agency, 2020
Deutscher and Hackett
Nov. 29, 2020
JARINYANU David Downs (Aboriginal 1925-1995), 'Piwi Kuitata,' 1991., Acrylic & Natural Earth Pigments on Linen, 112x83.5cm
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
JARINYANU, David Downs (Aboriginal 1925-1995) 'Piwi Kuitata,' 1991. Inscribed verso: 'jarinyanu David Dowzs' (sic), cat #044/91, commissioned by Duncan Kentish.' Acrylic & Natural Earth Pigments on Linen 112x83.5cm
Davidson Auctions
Sep. 14, 2020
Jarinyanu David Downs (1925-1995) Piwi 1988 Linocut ed.12/95
Est: $200 - $300
Jarinyanu David Downs (1925-1995) Piwi 1988 Linocut ed.12/95 Signed & dated lower right 28 x 29 cm PROVENANCE: Ex. Collection of the Late Dr Paul Sutherland, Sydney OTHER NOTES: Condition: wooden frame under glass
Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers
Mar. 18, 2020
JARINYANU DAVID DOWNS, (1925 – 1995), YAPURNU, 1987, natural earth pigments and synthetic polymer paint on linen
Est: $6,000 - $8,000
JARINYANU DAVID DOWNS (1925 – 1995) YAPURNU, 1987 natural earth pigments and synthetic polymer paint on linen SIGNED: signed verso: Jarinyanu David / Downs bears inscription verso: size, cat. 009-87 and commissioned by Duncan Kentish DIMENSIONS: 122.0 x 91.5 cm PROVENANCE: Commissioned by Duncan Kentish in 1987 Roar.2 Studios, Melbourne Private collection, Melbourne, acquired from the above in April 1989 EXHIBITED: Jarinyanu David Downs, Roar.2 Studios, Melbourne, 11 April – 30 April 1989, cat. 2
Deutscher and Hackett
Nov. 27, 2018
Jarinyanu David Downs (1925-1995) Paintings on canvas of Kurtal and Ceremonial Beanwood Shield depicting dancers c.1985
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
Two Items by David Downs: 1. Painting of Kurtal the ancestral rain man who was born on a distant island and travelled to the Kimberley as a cyclone. As Kurtal moved further inland he created places of 'living water' (permanent water sources) and visited other rain men, occasionally gaining valuable items from them through trickery and magic. Size: 45.5 x 36 cm 2. An ovoid bean wood shield with solid wood handle verso, depicting ceremonial dancers wearing body paint and carrying Jarungarr - curved, returning boomerangs on front and back. Size 66 x 27 x 5 cm irregular
Cooee Art
Nov. 27, 2018
Jarinyanu David Downs (1925-1995) Untitled - Wakaya Ceremony c.1983
Est: $25,000 - $35,000
Jarinyanu David Downs was born in the Great Sandy Desert in the 1920s and moved from his traditional lands to the cattle stations in the 1940s. He returned and settled in the Kimberley region in the north west of Australia late in life. Though he first began working as an artist decorating artefacts, it wasn’t until the early 1980s that he began painting on ceremonial boards in traditional ochres and natural resins and subsequently acrylic on canvas. This board is believed to be one of his earliest works. It depicts a ceremony that involves both men and women that even children are permitted to view. The central horizontal form represents a windbrake of bushes called Kanala or Wuri, that emphasises the separate role of the musicians who tap boomerangs to create the rhythm and sing the story. Two kinds of boomerang are employed: Jarungarr - the curved, returning boomerang used in combat, and Waraka - less curved, non-returning weapons used for hunting kangaroos. The dancing men wear elaborate bodypaint which also covers the tall headdress topped with Ngaliwili constructions made of tightly bound cockatoo feathers. The dancers are also wearing pubic pendants of string, leather, or pearl shell which covers their loins. Pictorial symbols represent country and the figures appear as elements within a larger composition, in contrast to the dominance of the single image of Kurtal that came to dominate his later paintings. Downs became renowned for the song cycle of Kurtal, the ancestral rain man who was born on a distant island and travelled to the Kimberley as a cyclone. As he moved inland he created places of ‘living water’ (permanent water sources) and visited other rain men, occasionally gaining valuable items from them through trickery and magic. The figure of Kurtal, often depicted with ceremonial head dress, and the participants in ceremonies relating to his story, were to go on to fill canvas after canvas until Jarinyanu's death in 1995. Jarinyanu David Downs enjoyed a highly successful career encompassing sculptural artefacts, paintings and a significant body of limited edition prints. He was one of the earliest Aboriginal artists to be individually represented and, at the time of his death, was considered one of the leading lights of the contemporary Aboriginal art movement.
Cooee Art
May. 14, 2018
Jarinyanu David Downs (1925-1995)
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
Kurtal: Five Arcs of Cloud and Billabong Waistband, ochre on canvas board, signed and titled verso 'Jarinyanu David Downs, Kurtal: Five Arcs of Cloud and Billabong Waistband'
Shapiro Auctioneers
May. 14, 2018
Jarinyanu David Downs (1925-1995)
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
Kurtal with Kutukutu and Wirlan Clouds, ochre on canvas board, titled verso 'Kurtal with Kutukutu and Wirlan Clouds', with typed description verso
Shapiro Auctioneers
Apr. 15, 2018
† Jarinyanu David Downs (1925-1995) Jakarra Dancing at Yapurnu with Pink Witipoles 1994 Acrylic & earth pigments on canvas
Est: $2,500 - $3,500
Jarinyanu David Downs (1925-1995) Jakarra Dancing at Yapurnu with Pink Witipoles 1994 Acrylic & earth pigments on canvas Signed & inscribed verso 123 x 90 cm PROVENANCE: Purchased at the Western Desert Dialysis Appeal, donated by Duncan Kentish, Adelaide
Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers
Jan. 31, 2018
JARINYANU DAVID DOWNS (ABORIGINE, 1925-1995) YAPURNU and WAKAYA Etchings: 23 X 18 in. (sight)
Est: $300 - $450
JARINYANU DAVID DOWNS (ABORIGINE, 1925-1995) YAPURNU and WAKAYA Etchings: 23 X 18 in. (sight) Framed; Yapurnu: lower left numbered: 22/ 25; lower center left: titled Yapurnu; lower right signed and dated: Jarnin Yanu 88; Wakaya; lower left numbered: 31/95; lower left titled: Wakaya; lower right signed and dated: Jarinyanu 88
Potomack Company
Dec. 07, 2017
JARINYANU DAVID DOWNS (ABORIGINE, 1925-1995) YAPURNU and WAKAYA Etchings: 23 X 18 in. (sight)
Est: $600 - $900
JARINYANU DAVID DOWNS (ABORIGINE, 1925-1995) YAPURNU and WAKAYA Etchings: 23 X 18 in. (sight) Framed; Yapurnu: lower left numbered: 22/ 25; lower center left: titled Yapurnu; lower right signed and dated: Jarnin Yanu 88; Wakaya; lower left numbered: 31/95; lower left titled: Wakaya; lower right signed and dated: Jarinyanu 88
Potomack Company
Oct. 19, 2016
JARINYANU DAVID DOWNS, (1925 1995), DANCE OF KURTAL, 1988, synthetic polymer paint and natural earth pigments on linen
Est: $15,000 - $20,000
JARINYANU DAVID DOWNS, (1925 1995), DANCE OF KURTAL, 1988, synthetic polymer paint and natural earth pigments on linen SIGNED: signed verso: David Dowzs [sic] / jorijonu bears inscription verso: size, cat. 010/88 DIMENSIONS: 197.5 x 137.0 cm PROVENANCE: Commissioned by Duncan Kentish in 1988 Bonython Meadmore Gallery, Sydney (label attached verso) Holmes à Court Collection, Heytesbury, Western Australia (label attached verso cat. 2548) Private collection Sotheby's, Sydney, 25 November 2007, lot 77 The Luczo Family Collection, USA EXHIBITED: Jarinyanu David Downs, Bonython Meadmore Gallery, Sydney, 18 August 13 September 1988, cat. 22 (illus. in exhibition catalogue and front cover) ESSAY: The following excerpt is quoted from Kentish, D., Jarinyanu David Downs, exhibition catalogue, Bonython Meadmore Gallery, Sydney, 1988 The original accompanying certificate of authenticity stated in part: 'Kurtal is a Storm Being from the Ngarangarni the Walmajarri word for the Dreaming. [...] When Kurtal entered Jarinyanu's country he was nearing the end of his journey. [...] Before a gathering of people from this area, Kurtal danced his final dance, metamorphosed into a snake, and sank into the earth where he remains today in a permanent rockhole spring. This spring supplied a reliable supply of water in all seasons, but in addition the old man would perform rituals at this site during the hot weather season to make Kurtal bring rain. [...] He is held to be responsible for and present within those particularly dramatic storms that usher in the break of the rainy season. [...][Dance of Kurtal, 1988] reveals Kurtal generating storms, with his arms and head enveloped in a cloud streaked with lightning and dust. A vertical snake motif suggests Kurtal's face is simultaneously the head of a snake, prefiguring his approaching metamorphosis. A band of cloud at his waist divides earth from sky. The lower section shows a grouping of women, girls and young boys. The women wear a vertical-striped body paint while the boys are painted with a snake motif.'
Deutscher and Hackett
Sep. 20, 2016
Jarinyanu David Downs (1925-1995)
Est: $800 - $1,200
Jarinyanu David Downs (1925-1995) Kurtal as Miltjitawurru natural earth pigment on board, signed 'jarinYanu David Dowzs' (sic) verso, bears Duncan Kentish essay verso 91.5 x 61 cm
Shapiro Auctioneers
May. 25, 2016
JARINYANU DAVID DOWNS, (1925 1995) , MEN DANCING WAKAYA, c.1987, synthetic polymer paint and natural earth pigments on linen
Est: $15,000 - $20,000
JARINYANU DAVID DOWNS, (1925 1995) , MEN DANCING WAKAYA, c.1987, synthetic polymer paint and natural earth pigments on linen SIGNED: signed verso: JoriJonu David Dwnzs [sic] bears inscription verso: size and cat. 040 DIMENSIONS: 121.0 x 181.0 cm PROVENANCE: Commissioned by Duncan Kentish in 1987 Collection of the late Duncan Kentish, Adelaide ESSAY: The Wakaya ceremony was introduced into the south Kimberley in the late 1950s early 1960s and by 1963, the initial 'introductory' sections of the ritual had reached La Grange. Originating from the east of the Northern Territory, the Wakaya ceremony shares the same name as a language group found south of the Gulf of Carpentaria and straddling the Northern Territory and Queensland border around the upper reaches of the Ranken, Georgina and Buckley Rivers systems. Throughout the 1960s, 70s and into the early 1980s, instalments of this ceremony moved westwards from the Northern Territory and played a major role in the ritual life of the Aboriginal people of the south Kimberley particularly the Wangkajungka, the Walmajarri and the Mangala people, who had moved from their homelands on the northern and western edges of the Great Sandy Desert to centres such as Balgo (Wirrimanu), Billiluna (Mulan), Christmas Creek (Krungal), Fitzroy Crossing, Looma, and La Grange (Bidyadanga). This painting depicts the Walmajarri, and their neighbours from the southeast, the Wangkajungka, who 'came in' after the Walmajarri had settled in and around Fitzroy Crossing. The Wangkajungka men are depicted with their more traditional chignon hair-styles, while women, who also played a part in many aspects of the ceremony, are shown dancing. Each group adopting the cycle would acquire and perform an instalment and then pass it on to the next adjacent group who wished to participate in the cycle. From the perspective of the south Kimberley, these travelling ceremonies may diverge, and go northwards into the central Kimberley and also southwest to the Pilbara via the Desert folk now resident at La Grange (Bidyadanga). Some aspects of the Wakaya ceremonies also bore striking associations with concepts found in Christianity. In this painting, Men Dancing Wakaya, c.1987, Jarinyanu David Downs presents the scene of a Wakaya ceremony being performed. This particular dance sequence displays many references to rain and rain-making. Male dancers wear tall matura or kutari head-dresses (enhanced representations of the hairbun or chignon worn by men in the past) each topped with feather ornament (ngaliwirri/ngarliwirri) representing clouds that are known by the same name. In their hands, the dancers hold the curved returning-type boomerangs called jangkarr that the Desert folk had always received as ceremonial gifts from their neighbours to the west. The symmetrical, curved boomerangs represent not only the important sickle-shaped wilany clouds that bring rain to the desert, but the curved pearl shell blades, integral to rain-making ceremonies. Wilany designs are also painted on the chests of the dancers. KIM AKERMAN
Deutscher and Hackett
Apr. 14, 2016
Jarinyanu David Downs (1925 - 1995) - Untitled 90 x 60cm (framed and ready to hang)
Est: $800 - $1,200
Jarinyanu David Downs (1925 - 1995) Untitled acrylic on canvas 90 x 60cm (framed and ready to hang) signed on verso
Lawsons
Dec. 11, 2015
Jarinyanu David Downs - Yapurnu, 1987 61 x 46cm
Est: $200 - $300
Jarinyanu David Downs Yapurnu, 1987 ochre & acrylic on canvas 61 x 46cm
Lawsons
May. 21, 2015
JARINYANU DAVID DOWNS (C.1925-1995) S
Est: €3,500 - €4,500
JARINYANU DAVID DOWNS (C.1925-1995) SANS TITRE / UNTITLED, 1984 Acrylique sur toile 97,5 cm x 67 cm
Cornette de Saint-Cyr
Mar. 24, 2015
DAVID JARINYANU DOWNS (1925-1995)
Est: $5,000 - $7,000
DAVID JARINYANU DOWNS (1925-1995) Kurtal II acrylic on linen signed 'Pilajanaka Jarinyanu david downs' verso 122 x 92cm
Leonard Joel
Aug. 24, 2014
Jarinyanu David Downs (1925-95) Australia
Est: $150 - $250
Jarinyanu David Downs (1925-95) Australia (Aboriginal) - 'Yapornu' 1988 - 9 of 9. Approx 30cm H x 23cm W
Vickers & Hoad
Aug. 24, 2014
Jarinyanu David Downs (1925-95) Australia
Est: $150 - $250
Jarinyanu David Downs (1925-95) Australia (Aboriginal) - 'Piwi Kunajuna' 1988 - Etching number 3 - 4 of 95. Approx 32cm H x 23cm W
Vickers & Hoad
Aug. 10, 2014
Jarinyanu David Downs (1925-95) Australia
Est: $150 - $250
Jarinyanu David Downs (1925-95) Australia (Aboriginal) - 'Yapornu' 1988 - 9 of 9. Approx 30cm H x 23cm W
Vickers & Hoad
Aug. 10, 2014
Jarinyanu David Downs (1925-95) Australia
Est: $150 - $250
Jarinyanu David Downs (1925-95) Australia (Aboriginal) - 'Piwi Kunajuna' 1988 - Etching number 3 - 4 of 95. Approx 32cm H x 23cm W
Vickers & Hoad
Apr. 05, 2014
Jarinyanu David Downs (1925-95) Australia
Est: $300 - $500
Jarinyanu David Downs (1925-95) Australia (Aboriginal) - 'Piwi Kunajuna' 1988 - Etching number 3 - 4 of 95 - 32cm high X 23cm wide
Vickers & Hoad
Apr. 05, 2014
Jarinyanu David Downs (1925-95) Australia
Est: $300 - $500
Jarinyanu David Downs (1925-95) Australia (Aboriginal) - 'Yapornu' 1988 - 9 of 95 - 30cm high X 23cm wide
Vickers & Hoad
Apr. 10, 2013
Jarinyanu David Downs (1925-1995) Untitled c.1985
Est: $700 - $900
Jarinyanu David Downs (1925-1995) Untitled c.1985 natural earth pigments on canvas, signed verso 120 x 117cm Provenance: Lord McAlpine of West Green, Western Australia Mary Macha, Perth, Private Collection, Sydney
Shapiro Auctioneers
Apr. 10, 2013
Jarinyanu David Downs (1925-1995) Jawanti and the
Est: $500 - $700
Jarinyanu David Downs (1925-1995) Jawanti and the Nyapuru Women 1991 natural earth pigments and synthetic binder on canvas board, inscribed verso ' Jarinyanu David Downs' 91 x 60.5cm Provenance: Commissioned by Duncan Kentish, Western Australia (stock B7/91), Private Collection, Sydney
Shapiro Auctioneers
Oct. 18, 2011
Jarinyanu David Downs circa 1925-1995 KURTAL WITH HEADDRESS OF RADIATING WURING (1990) synthetic polymer paint and natural earth pig...
Est: $7,000 - $10,000
Jarinyanu David Downs circa 1925-1995 KURTAL WITH HEADDRESS OF RADIATING WURING (1990) synthetic polymer paint and natural earth pigments on linen 108 X 84CM PROVENANCE Painted at Warmun, Western Australia Commissioned by Duncan Kentish, Western Australia (stock 081/90) Gallery Gondwana, Northern Territory Private Collection, Melbourne
Smith & Singer
Nov. 25, 2007
JARINYANU DAVID DOWNS , CIRCA 1925-1995 DANCE OF KURTAL Natural earth pigments and synthetic binders on linen
Est: $18,000 - $25,000
Signed 'David Downs Jorijjonu' (sic) and bears title on label on the reverse Natural earth pigments and synthetic binders on linen
Sotheby's
Oct. 31, 2006
JARINYANU DAVID DOWNS
Est: $15,000 - $20,000
CIRCA 1925-1995 UNTITLED C.1983 UNTITLED C.1983 119 by 120 cm Bears artist's name on the reverse Natural earth pigments and synthetic polymer paint on composition board PROVENANCE Emerald Hill Gallery, Melbourne Private collection, Melbourne NOTE The painting depicts men and women performing Wakaya, a dance with a wide geographic distribution from central Northern Territory west to La Grange in Western Australia. The artist has depicted the women sitting down for compositional reasons, however they actually participate in the dance. Wakaya features the use of boomerangs as rhythm sticks. These are depicted in the hands of the dancing figures at each end of the line: one boomerang is Jarungarr or the curved returning boomerang used in combat, the other Waraka, is used for hunting kangaroos. The men are depicted wearing long headdresses, body paint designs and pearlshell pubic covers Cf. For a related painting by the artist, see Jilji (sandhill country), 1983, in the collection of the National Gallery of Victoria, illustrated in Ryan, J. and K. Akerman (eds.), Images of Power: Aboriginal art of the Kimberley, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, 1993, p.85, illus
Sotheby's
Jul. 31, 2006
JARINYANU DAVID DOWNS CIRCA 1925-1995
Est: $25,000 - $35,000
YAPURNU COUNTRY C.1983 MEASUREMENTS 91 by 61 cm Natural earth pigments and synthetic binder on canvasboard PROVENANCE Purchased in 1983 from Steve Hawke Niagara Galleries, Melbourne Private collection, Melbourne Exhibition Blue Chip III, The Collectors Exhibition, Niagara Galleries, Melbourne, 27 February - 31 March 2001, catalogue No. 16, Cf. Sotheby's Important Aboriginal Art, 28th June 1999, lot 211 for another painting by the artists executed in 1990 depicting the Yapurnu story-cycle with specific reference to the Dreamtime activities of Jakarra This image is a depiction of Yapurnu country, south of Balgo, showing a complex of inter-linked salt-pans, some of which are edged with a meandering white shore-line of crystals like mica. At the same time, this looming figure represents old man Yapurnu, boss for this country, loosely displaying great strands of long grass tied into his hair and plastered with mud. When boys have reached manhood they are painted and dressed up in a manner similar to this representation Each initiate holds long poles in each hand, tied with foliage at intervals, representing the salt-pan lakes. The diagonal marking across this figure indicates the Jangkarti skin-group, which is also that of Jarinyanu, the painter Sotheby's would like to thank Duncan Kentish for assistance with this catalogue entry
Sotheby's
Nov. 15, 2005
JARINYANU DAVID DOWNS CIRCA 1925-1995
Est: $8,000 - $12,000
JYULPA 1990 MEASUREMENTS 122 by 91 cm Natural earth pigments and synthetic binder on linen Signed 'Jarinyanu David Downs' and bears title, size and catalogue number 042/90 on the reverse PROVENANCE Commissioned by Duncan Kentish Jyulpa and his brother Kurungaiya were traveling south-west from Kuningurra to an initiation ceremony at Jigalong. Devil dogs attacked them, but both men were 'doctors' with special powers to overwhelm the dogs. Jyulpa is returning with a coolomon of food on his head for his family
Sotheby's
Jul. 25, 2005
JARINYANU DAVID DOWNS CIRCA 1925-1995 KURTAL MAKING HEAVY WEATHER C.1984
Est: $15,000 - $20,000
Natural earth pigments and synthetic binder on canvas Provenance
Sotheby's
Jul. 25, 2005
JARINYANU DAVID DOWNS CIRCA 1925-1995 MEN DANCING WAKAYA 1987
Est: $20,000 - $30,000
Synthetic polymer paint on linen Provenance
Sotheby's
Oct. 12, 2004
JARINYANU DAVID DOWNS (CIRCA 1925-1995)
Est: £8,000 - £12,000
Untitled signed 'Jarinyanu David Dowzs (sic)' and with Gallery Gondwana number 031/90 (on the reverse) natural earth pigments on linen 122 x 91.5 cm Painted in 1990
Christie's
May. 06, 2003
JARINYANU DAVID DOWNS (1925-1995)
Est: $13,000 - $19,500
Dance of Kurtal signed 'David Downs/jorijonu'(sic) (on the reverse); titled 'Dance of Kurtal' on labels (affixed to the reverse) acrylic and ochres on linen 197.6 x 136.7 cm PROVENANCE Commissioned by Duncan Kentish, 1988 Bonython Meadmore Gallery, Sydney The Holmes … Court collection, Western Australia EXHIBITION Sydney, Bonython Meadmore Gallery, Jarinyanu David Downs, 18 August - 13 September 1988, cat. no. 22, illus. front cover NOTES Jarinyanu is from Wangkajunga country which lies in the Great Sandy Desert in Western Australia. He was given the name David Downs by the European manager of the cattle station where he worked during his early twenties. Jarinyanu's artistic career began with his move to Fitzroy Crossing, a predominantly Aboriginal settlement north of Perth, in the late 1960s. In the catalogue essay for the 1988 exhibition at Bonython Meadmore Gallery, Duncan Kentish wrote extensively about both Kurtal and the painting Dance of Kurtal : "Kurtal is a Storm Being from the Ngarangarni - the Walmajarri word for the Dreaming... When Kurtal entered Jarinyanu's country he was nearing the end of his journey... Before a gathering of people from this area, Kurtal danced his final dance, metamorphosed into a snake, and sank into the earth where he remains today in a permanent rock-hole spring. This spring provided a reliable supply of water in all seasons, but in addition the old men would perform rituals at this site during the hot weather season to make Kurtal bring rain. The site is close to the place of Jarinyanu's birth, south from Lake Gregory and slightly to the east of the Canning Stock Route... He is held to be responsible for and present within those particularly dramatic storms that usher in the break of the rainy season... The cover painting (Dance of Kurtal) reveals Kurtal generating storms, with his arms and head enveloped in a cloud streaked with lightning and dust. A vertical snake motif suggests Kurtal's face is simultaneously the head of a snake, prefiguring his approaching metamorphosis. A band of cloud at his waist divides earth from sky. The lower section shows a grouping of women and girls and young boys. The women wear vertical-striped body paint while the boys are painted with a snake motif. Both paintings were painted in Adelaide in January, and Jarunyanu declared that the unusually rainy weather then experienced, had resulted from his invoking Kurtal in the first painting." (D Kentish, Jarinyanu David Downs, exhibition catalogue, Sydney, 1988, unpaginated) Kurtal was one of the dominant figures in Jarinyanu's paintings and elsewhere Kentish has referred to the Jakuli that Kurtal wears which is a pubic covering made of pearlshell that hangs from a hairstring belt.
Christie's