Thomas Tjapaltjarri

Thomas Tjapaltjarri

Born:c.1964
Country:Kiwirrkurra-WA
Skin:Tjapaltjarri
Language group:Pintupi

Thomas Tjapaltjarri was one of a party of nine Pintupi tribesmen, including his brothers Walimpirringa and Walala, who made their first contact with non-Aboriginal people in 1984 when they walked out of the desert west of Lake Mackay into the small Kiwirrkura community, just inside the Western Australian border. This group of tribesmen made national headlines and were dubbed the ‘last nomads’. Three years later, along with his brothers, he began painting for Papunya Tula Artists and is considered a leading western desert artist.
Thomas’ paintings depict the Tingari Cycle mythology concerning the early journey paths of Tingari ancestors through the dreamtime.