Lot 91: JOHN LEE TJAKAMARRA, born 1949, LUURNPA, 2004, synthetic polymer paint on linen

JOHN LEE TJAKAMARRA, born 1949, LUURNPA, 2004, synthetic polymer paint on linen

SIGNED:
bears inscription verso: artist’s name and Warlayirti Artists cat. 73/04

DIMENSIONS:
149.0 x 75.0 cm

PROVENANCE:
Warlayirti Artists, Balgo Hills
Scott Livesey Galleries, Melbourne
The Luczo Family Collection, USA

ESSAY:
This painting is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Warlayirti Artists that states: ‘John has painted the story of Lurrnpa – the sacred Kingfisher as it made its Tjukurrpa (Dreamtime) journey through the Western Desert. This part of the story shows the journey of Lurrnpa from Talarpu to Ringer Soak, Blue Hills and finally onto Wirrimanu (Balgo Hills in Western Australia). The squares and lines in this painting depict the creeks, waterholes, hills and other features of the landscape that the Luurnpa created during its journey. The Luurnpa is a significant figure in the life of desert people and not only did it save people from drought and starvation, but also gave people Law, carried the Tingari men on part of their journey and created much of the country from Wirramanu to Luurnpa’s final resting place; Uluru.’