Founders of the Central and Western Desert Art Movement
Papunya Tula Artists is entirely owned and directed by traditional Aboriginal people from the Western Desert. The aim of the company is to promote individual artists, to provide economic development for the communities to which they belong, and assist in the maintenance of a rich cultural heritage.
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19.12.11
CHRISTMAS / NEW YEAR CLOSURE DATES
Papunya Tula Artists' gallery will close for the holiday season on Friday 23 December and re-open on Monday 16 January 2012.
Papunya Tula Artists and their staff thank you for your interest and support of the artist's company throughout the year and wish you a safe and merry Christmas and a prosperous 2012.
12.12.11
PURPLE TRUCK LAUNCHED - Papunya Tula Artists' Gallery, 63 Todd Mall, Alice Springs
Since first donating paintings for a fundraising auction in 2000 that raised more than one million dollars, the artists' company, Papunya Tula Artists Pty Ltd has provided much needed and ongoing support to dialysis health providers Western Desert Nganampa Walytja Palyantjaku Tjutaku Aboriginal Corporation.
As acknowledgement of Papunya Tula Artists' ongoing support, the dialysis health provider's newest facility will feature large reproductions of paintings by three leading Papunya Tula artists - Patrick Tjungurrayi, Ningura Napurrula and Morris Gibson Tjapaltjarri - who each receive dialysis. Known as the Purple Truck (in keeping with other renal services) the new mobile renal dialysis unit is possible through funding from Medicines Australia and was launched at the Papunya Tula Artists' gallery in Alice Springs on Monday 12 December.
view the ABC TV news coverage
25.11.11
PAPUNYA TULA ARTISTS 2011 Exhibition - Papunya Tula Artists' Gallery, Alice Springs
This year our exhibition featured a triple bill including two solo exhibitions by Nyarrumparra (Sister Brother) artists NAATA NUNGURRAYI and GEORGE TJUNGURRAYI as well as a mixed show, RECENT PINTUPI WORKS - see more details on each show below.
The exhibitions were opened by historian and former Papunya Tula Artists' Art Coordinator, Dick Kimber at 6pm on Friday 25 November and continues until Tuesday 13 December at the Papunya Tula Artists' Gallery, 63 Todd Mall, Alice Springs, Central Australia.
Unsold works from these exhibitions are available from our online gallery - click the GALLERY button above or to view the exhibition hang click the image at right.
25.11.11
NAATA NUNGURRAYI - Papunya Tula Artists' Gallery, Alice Springs
Represented in national and international collections, and previously in over 100 group shows, it is a surprising omission of history that a Naata Nungurrayi solo exhibition had so far passed us by. Now her long anticipated first solo exhibition will provide a brilliant opportunity for her eager collectors and the art loving public at large to immerse themselves in her bold and emphatic paintings.
This Naata Nungurrayi solo exhibition opened on Friday 25 November and continues until 13 December 2011 at the Papunya Tula Artists' Gallery, 63 Todd Mall, Alice Springs, Central Australia.
All works in the Naata Nungurrayi solo exhibition have been sold.
25.11.11
GEORGE TJUNGURRAYI - Papunya Tula Artists' Gallery, Alice Springs
Showcasing George Tjungurrayi's mastery of colour, tone and contrast with subtle variations to create shimmering optical interest. Tjungurrayi began painting for Papunya Tula Artists in the early 1980s and was first exhibited a decade later. Since then his paintings have appeared in over one hundred group shows, twelve public collections and now in this, his seventh solo exhibition.
This George Tjungurrayi solo exhibition opened on Friday 25 November and continues until 13 December 2011 at the Papunya Tula Artists' Gallery, 63 Todd Mall, Alice Springs, Central Australia.
Only nine works are still available from this exhibition, These works are available from our online gallery - click the GALLERY button above or to view the exhibition hang click the image at right.
25.11.11
RECENT PINTUPI WORKS - Papunya Tula Artists' Gallery, Alice Springs
Celebrating 40 years of the Western Desert art movement with a mixed selection of recent works by men and women from Kintore and Kiwirrkura and featuring established Western Desert artists including Ronnie Tjampitjinpa, Ningura Napurrula, Patrick Tjungurrayi, Kawayi Nampitjinpa, Johnny Yungut Tjupurrula, Wintjiya Napaltjarri and Bobby West Tjupurrula along with younger artists Morris Gibson Tjapaltjarri, Yukultji Napangati and Nyilyari Tjapangati.
This group exhibition opened on Friday 25 November and continues until 13 December 2011 at the Papunya Tula Artists' Gallery, 63 Todd Mall, Alice Springs, Central Australia.
Unsold works from this exhibition are available from our online gallery - click the GALLERY button above or to view the exhibition hang click the image at right.
19.10.11
PINTUPI MEN - ReDot Fine Art Gallery, Singapore
ReDot Fine Art Gallery presents the eighth Papunya Tula Artists' showing in Singapore. This year's exhibition focuses in depth on paintings by men from Kintore and Kiwirrkura and features recent collectable work from the artists' company. Included is a fine selection of work by senior established artists: Patrick Tjungurayi; Ray James Tjangala and Nyilyari Tjapangati as well as a showcase of work from emerging artists of note: Morris Gibson Tjapaltjarri and Matthew West Tjupurrula.
The exhibition runs from 19 October to 30 November 2011. More at: www.redotgallery.com
14.10.11
WALUNGURRU 30 YEAR CELEBRATION - Kintore Community, Northern Territory
Friends and supporters are warmly welcomed to a weekend festival celebrating 30 years since Pintupi people walked back from Papunya to their homelands around the Western Australia / Northern Territory border and established the Kintore community.
The program will include many opportunities for old friends to catch up and honour the past, to hear from families and elders, and to participate in cultural, sporting and recreational activities. Also the festival will feature performances by Neil Murray (founding member of Warumpi Band), music workshops and performances by Shellie Morris, local anangu bands including Running Water, as well as children's performances, gospel choirs and traditional inma dancing.
The celebration runs from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 October 2011.
08.10.11
NINGURA NAPURRULA - Suzanne O'Connell Gallery, Brisbane
Ningura Napurrula completed her first paintings for the artists' company in 1996 and was exhibited that same year. She has since exhibited in over one hundred group shows internationally, had two solo exhibitions and her paintings are held in seven public collections. In 2003 she was chosen along with four fellow Papunya Tula Artists to have her painting reproduced on an Australia Post international stamp. The following year Napurrula was selected to have an example of her work incorporated into the architecture of the Musee du Quai Branly in Paris.
Napurrula's current body of work continues to demonstrate her mastery of composition and attention to the dramatic elements while introducing a new style that resonates with her iconage that lays embedded in the Musee du Quai Branly.
This solo exhibition runs from 8 October to 5 November 2011. More at: www.suzanneoconnell.com
29.09.11
TJUKURRTJANU: ORIGINS OF WESTERN DESERT ART - The Ian Potter Centre: National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Featuring 200 of the first paintings produced at Papunya in 1971 and 1972 by founding artists of the Western Desert art movement this important exhibition celebrates the two dimensional expression of an ancient four dimensional knowledge. 'Tjukurrtjanu: Origins Of Western Desert Art' gives prominence to the connection between the works of art themselves and their origins in the ephemeral designs of ceremony.
'Tjukurrtjanu: Origins Of Western Desert Art', a collaboration with Museum Victoria in partnership with Papunya Tula Artists Pty Ltd, opens on 29 September 2011 and runs until 12 February 2012 before showing in Paris later that year. More at: www.ngv.vic.gov.au/tjukurrtjanu
24.09.11
SPACE AND PLACE - Utopia Art Sydney, Waterloo
Born in the 1940s in the desert near Kiwirrkura, George Tjungurrayi walked in to Papunya settlement as a young man and commenced painting for Papunya Tula Artists in the early 1980s. Almost three decades later, with paintings in over one hundred group shows, five previous solo exhibitions and his works in twelve public collections at home and abroad, George Tjungurrayi paintings invite enthusiasm.
The vibrant paintings of Tjungurrayi return to Utopia Art Sydney, the gallery of his first solo exhibition in 1997. Vibrancy is testament to his mastery of colour, tone and contrast and the effects of subtly varying those values to create optical interest. This George Tjungurrayi solo exhibition runs from 24 September to 22 October 2011. More at: www.utopiaartsydney.com.au
13.09.11
PINTUPI TRAIL 2011 - Gallery Gabrielle Pizzi, Melbourne
An acknowledging nod to the importance of Papunya Tula Artists Pty Ltd as pioneers of the Western Desert art movement and torchbearers of the recent Australian avant-garde. 'Pintupi Trail 2011' surveys contemporary work of established and emerging Papunya Tula artists including: Makinti Napanangka, Ronnie Tjampitjinpa, George Tjungurrayi, Ningura Napurrula, Johnny Yungut Tjupurrula, Nyilyari Tjapangati, Patrick Tjungurrayi and Yukultji Napangati. The exhibition is complimentary to the major retrospective 'Tjukurrtjanu: Origins Of Western Desert Art' that runs until 12 February at the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne.
This Gallery Gabrielle Pizzi exhibition runs from 13 September to 22 October 2011 with a special opening held on Wednesday 28 September with visiting artists. More at: www.gabriellepizzi.com.au
09.09.11
WORKING FOR THE ARTISTS' COMPANY - Remote Art Worker
Applications for this advertised position closed at 5pm on Friday 9 September 2011, however Expressions of Interest responding to the Selection Criteria are continually welcome.
Leading Western Desert artists' company Papunya Tula Artists Pty Ltd has an exciting opportunity for a positive and culturally sensitive person. The successful applicant will have demonstrated skills and experience in studio operations and artistic development or similar.
09.09.11
DESERT MOB - Araluen Art Centre, Alice Springs
Desert Mob is the premier Indigenous art event in Central Australia presenting the latest from each of the participating DesArt art centres. The exhibition showcases works by leading artists alongside works by emerging or younger artists and includes paintings, traditional artefacts, weavings, ceramics and other crafts.
The exhibition opens 9 September and continues until 23 October 2011. More at: www.desertmob.nt.gov.au
27.08.11
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! - 40 years of the Western Desert art movement
27 August 1971 is the day Western Desert art began to manifest itself publically as Kaapa Mbitjana Tjampitjinpa was named joint winner of the 1971 Caltex Golden Jubilee Art Award in Alice Springs.
12.08.11
KAWAYI NAMPITJINPA - Cross Cultural Art Exchange, Darwin
Having completed her first paintings for Papunya Tula Artists in 1998, this is the long awaited first solo exhibition of Kawayi Nampitjinpa and it coincides with her inclusion as a finalist in the 28th Telstra Awards. Nampitjinpa has painted regularly for Papunya Tula Artists since 2003 having exhibited in 28 groups shows throughout Australia and in Singapore and with her work being held in four public collections.
Kawayi Nampitjinpa joins a distinguished list of solo exhibitions curated by Papunya Tula Artists Pty Ltd that showcase leading and emerging artists with lives and practice embedded in the historic Aboriginal artists' company. She is a finalist in the 28th Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award along with fellow Papunya Tula Artists Bobby West Tjupurrula, George Tjungurrayi, Johnny Yungut Tjupurrula, Wintjiya Napaltjarri and Yakultji Napangati.
The exhibition runs from 12 to 30 August 2011. More at: www.ccae.com.au
12.08.11
DARWIN ABORIGINAL ART FAIR - Darwin Convention Centre, Waterfront Precinct
Once again Papunya Tula Artists will have a stall at the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair to provide an opportunity to view and purchase their works from among more than 40 Aboriginal owned community art centres. The fair offers the possibility to explore the diversity of cultures, meet artists, participate in workshops and view collections from Arnhem Land, Central Australia, the Kimberley, the Tiwi Islands and the Western Desert.
The art fair runs from 12 to 14 August 2011. More at: www.darwinaboriginalartfair.com.au
11.08.11
TELSTRA GENERAL PAINTING AWARD 2011 WINNER - Bobby West Tjupurrula
Papunya Tula Artists Pty Ltd congratulates Bobby West Tjupurrula on winning the 2011 Telstra General Painting Award in the 28th Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award.
Speaking from his home in the Gibson Desert before travelling to the awards ceremony, Mr West said "I think it is good. It has changed my mind. I thought people might not like my painting, but now I know my painting is taken seriously. I think it is exciting."
08.08.11
THE ARTISTS' COMPANY - Papunya Tula Artists' brochure
Our current round of marketing materials includes a brochure featuring a number of images highlighting the company's proud history and showcasing the artists' fine work. Poignantly titled the artists' company, the document is a quick introduction to the fundamental role the company has in its artists' lives and the unique position those artists' have in the history of Australian art.
Click on the image at right for full caption details of images from the brochure.
02.08.11
YUYUYA NAMPITJINPA & JOSEPHINE NAPURRULA - Indigenart at The Mossenson Gallery, Subiaco
A showing of two contemporary women painters from Papunya Tula Artists. Despite Yuyuya Nampitjinpa and Josephine Napurrula painting different sites and in differing styles, this exhibition discovers a beautiful harmony in their work.
The exhibition runs from 2 to 27 August 2011. More at: www.mossensongalleries.com.au
28.06.11
AUSTRALIAN ART REVIEW ADVERTISEMENT - Issue 28, July - August 2011
Our advertisement in the Aboriginal Art edition of Australian Art Review features a number of paintings denoting some forthcoming exhibitions and awards throughout Australasia involving Papunya Tula Artists. These include: Kawayi Nampitjinpa's first solo exhibition, six Papunya Tula Artists selected as finalists in the 28th Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award, Nyilyari Tjapangati as finalist in the Western Australian Indigenous Art Awards, a George Tjungurrayi solo exhibition, established and emerging Papunya Tula Artists showcasing in Melbourne coinciding with Tjukurrtjanu: Origins of Western Desert Art at the National Gallery of Victoria and a Pintupi Men exhibition in Singapore.
Click on the advertisement at right to find further details of these events along with captioned uncropped reproductions of each work.
13.06.11
MAKINTI NAPANANGKA AM - appointed a Member of the Order of Australia
Papunya Tula Artists Pty Ltd proudly endorses the honour paid to the late Makinti Napanangka's lifetime achievements through her appointment as a Member of the Order
of Australia.
A former shareholder and Director of Papunya Tula Artists Pty Ltd, the award recognises Napanangka as a respected community member, senior Pintupi cultural custodian and matriarch to her extended family.
Foremost, she is identified as a highly esteemed artist and a leading figure in the emergence of women painters of the Western Desert Art Movement.
10.06.11
REMOTE ARCHITECTURE AWARDED - Kiwirrkura Art Centre architects awarded
Papunya Tula Artists Pty Ltd congratulates Tangentyere Design, architects of their Kiwirrkura Art Centre and finalists for the prestigious 2011 National Architecture Awards in Hobart on 3 November. The peer-assessed awards of the Australian Institute of Architects involved a jury of national architects converging on the remote community of Kiwirrkura in Western Australia. Clearly impressed with the Kiwirrkura Art Centre, the jury selected Tangentyere Design as winner of the Indigenous Community Architecture Award at the recent 2011 NT Architecture Awards in Darwin.
Thanks to Andrew Broffman and his team of architects at Tangentyere Design for their great work.
09.06.11
PINTUPI ART 2011 - AP Bond Gallery, Adelaide
Showcasing diverse talent, this exhibition includes recent works from both established and emerging artists. AP Bond Gallery has represented Papunya Tula Artists for over 12 years.
The exhibition runs from 9 June to 2 July 2011. More at: www.apbond.com.au
19.05.11
28th TELSTRA NATIONAL ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER ART AWARD FINALISTS - Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Darwin
Papunya Tula Artists would like to congratulate Kawayi Nampitjinpa, Bobby West Tjupurrula, George Tjungurrayi, Johnny Yungut Tjupurrula, Wintjiya Napaltjarri and Yukultji Napangati who have been selected as finalists in the 2011 Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award. The Telstra Award is the most prestigious national indigenous arts prize attracting the diversity of art practice from across the country.
The announcement of winners and the exhibition opening will take place in Darwin at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory on Thursday 11 August 2011. More at: www.nt.gov.au/nreta/museums/exhibitions/natsiaa/
07.05.11
40 YEARS OF PAPUNYA TULA ARTISTS - Utopia Art Sydney, Waterloo
Celebrating 40 years of Western Desert art this exhibition places early Papunya boards alongside contemporary work in celebration of four decades of great art. Utopia Art Sydney is proud to have represented Papunya Tula Artists since 1988.
The exhibition runs from 7 to 28 May 2011. More at: www.utopiaartsydney.com.au
15.04.11
YUKULTJI NAPANGATI - 2011 Wynne Prize
Papunya Tula Artists would like to congratulate Yukultji Napangati who is a Highly Commended Finalist in the 2011 Wynne Prize held at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Yukultji's painting represent the site of Yunala in Western Australia. The lineal designs depict the sandhills surrounding the site and the travel of women across the country as the collected bush foods and performed ceremonies.
The Wynne Prize is one of Australia's longest running art prizes awarding $25,000 annually for the best landscape painting or for the best example of figure sculpture by Australian artists completed during the preceding year.
The award runs from the 16 April to 26 June 2011.
13.04.11
30 UNDER 30 - Indigenart at The Mossenson Gallery
Collingwood, 13 April to 7 May 2011 and Subiaco, 20 April to 14 May 2011
Showcasing the talent and innovation of 30 emerging artists born since 1981. The exhibition is a celebration of youth and the continuity of indigenous culture that draws sustenance and inspiration from the example of legendary predecessors. Among the artists in this exhibition some are Papunya Tula Artists' descendents including Charmaine Nampitjinpa Kaapa (Untitled, 46 x 38 cm, acrylic on linen - at right). More at: www.indigenart.com.au
09.04.11
PAINTINGS FROM THE WESTERN DESERT - Metropolis Gallery, Geelong
Papunya Tula Artists welcomes Metropolis Gallery, Geelong as a new exhibitor of its artists' work. Metropolis is proudly exhibiting a selection of recent paintings that reflect the strong Papunya Tula style developed over its four decade history. Metropolis Gallery has a strong history of promoting regional and national paintings, edition prints, art glass, ceramics, sculpture and designer jewellery. As well Metropolis' storeroom hold a catalogue of collectable smaller works by important Australian Artists and culminates in two major Collectors Shows each year.
The exhibition runs from 9 to 23 April 2011. More at: www.metropolisgallery.com.au/artists/papunya_tula/index.htm
05.04.11
NYILYARI TJAPANGATI - Western Australian Indigenous Art Awards 2011
Papunya Tula Artists would like to congratulate Nyilyari Tjapangati who has been selected as a finalist in the Western Australian Indigenous Art Awards 2011.
The award is the nation's richest Indigenous art prize and showcases the diversity of art practice across the country. The Western Australian Indigenous Art Awards comprises three non-acquisitive awards:
The Western Australian Indigenous Art Award of $50,000 will be awarded to the artist whose work is considered to be the most outstanding body of work in the Awards exhibition;
The Western Australian Artist Award of $10,000 will be awarded to a WA artist acknowledged as currently creating significant work; and
The People's Choice Award of $5,000 will be awarded to the artist who receives the highest number of visitor/online votes.
The Western Australian Indigenous Art Award opens on 13 August and runs until 19 December 2011.
16.03.11
WOMEN FROM KINTORE - Indigenart at The Mossenson Gallery, Subiaco
16 March - 9 April 2011
A defining feature of Papunya Tula Artists since the mid-1990s has been the emergence of women as artistic leaders in the community. This exhibition features works by Wintjiya Napaltjarri, Tatali Napurrula, Nanyuma Napangati, Ningura Napurrula and Pantjiya Nungarrayi and Rubilee Napurrula. More at: www.mossensongalleries.com.au
25.02.11
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