WARLIMPIRRNGA TJAPALTJARRI

Papunya Tula Artists, Alice Springs
Gallery Gabrielle Pizzi, Melbourne
Private collection, USA

The painting is in very good condition with no scratches or paint loss.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This painting is sold with an accompanying Papunya Tula Artists Certificate that reads in part: 'This painting depicts designs associated with the claypan site of Ngulkungnapalka, just to the west of Lake Mackay.  The artist and his family spent quite a lot of time at this site before coming out of the desert.  In mythological times one large carpet snake burnt its belly and while moving around created the claypan.'

Cf. Perkins, H. and H. Fink (eds), Papunya Tula: Genesis and Genius, Art Gallery of New South Wales in association with Papunya Tula Artists, 2000, p.102, illus.  Warlimpirrnga is a member of the small family group who first made contact with Europeanised Australia when they went to the Pintupi community of Kiwirrkura in 1984 where their relatives lived. Prior to that they had no contact
with European Australians although they knew of their presence. Previously, Warlimpirrnga and his family had been living west of Lake Mackay. He commenced painting for Papunya Tula Artists in 1987 and in the following year he had his first solo exhibition at Gallery Gabrielle Pizzi in Melbourne. All eleven paintings in the exhibition were acquired by Nellie Castan and her late husband Ron who donated the entire group to the National Gallery of Victoria.