Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri
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| Born | 1932 Napperby Station, Northern Territory, Australia
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| Died | 21 June 2002 (aged 69–70) |
| Other names | Clifford Possum, Clifford Possum Tjapaltjari |
| Known for | Painting, contemporary Indigenous Australian art |
Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri was a famous Australian painter. He was born around 1932 and passed away on June 21, 2002. Many people consider him one of the most important Indigenous Australian artists.
His artworks are displayed in major galleries and collections. You can find his paintings in places like the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the National Gallery of Australia. His art is also part of the Royal Collection in the United Kingdom.
Contents
Life as an Artist
Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri came from the Anmatyerre cultural group. This group lives in the Western Desert area of Australia's Northern Territory. His family was also well-known. His mother was Long Rose Nangala, and his father was Tjatjiti Tjungurrayai.
After his father passed away, his mother married Gwoya Jungarai. He was famous as One Pound Jimmy, whose picture was on an Australian postage stamp. Clifford's brother, Tim Leura Tjapaltjarri, also had his art featured on a stamp.
The Start of Dot Painting
Clifford Possum was a leader among the artists living near Papunya. This is where the "dot art" painting style began. In the early 1970s, a man named Geoffrey Bardon encouraged Aboriginal people to paint their traditional stories. These stories were usually drawn on the ground for ceremonies.
Clifford Possum became one of the most important artists in this new style. It is now known as the Western Desert Art Movement.
Clifford's Unique Style
The Art Gallery of New South Wales held an exhibition of his work in 2004. They described his artistic journey. Clifford was already a skilled wood-carver before the Papunya Tula School started.
When he joined the "dot and circle" painters in 1972, he quickly stood out. He created some of the largest and most detailed paintings ever made.
Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri had a groundbreaking career. He was one of the first Indigenous Australian artists to gain international fame. Like Albert Namatjira before him, Clifford Possum opened doors for future Indigenous artists. He helped connect traditional Aboriginal art with modern Australian art.
His Legacy
Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri passed away in Alice Springs. This was on the same day he was going to receive an award. The award was the Order of Australia, for his contributions to art and the Indigenous community.
Newspapers around the world wrote about his death. They usually called him Clifford Possum and said he was about 70 years old. His exact birth date is not known, but his birth year is thought to be correct.
His Daughters Continue His Art
Clifford's two daughters, Gabriella Possum Nungurayyi and Michelle Possum Nungurayyi, are also famous artists. They continue their father's artistic legacy.
There was a discussion about where he should be buried. His family and community wanted him buried in a specific place. He was eventually buried at Yuelamu, which was their wish.
Famous Artwork: Warlugulong
After his death, Clifford Tjapaltjarri's art became even more recognized. His amazing painting, Warlugulong, was sold at an auction in 2007. The Commonwealth Bank had bought it earlier for only $1,200.
Experts thought Warlugulong would become the most expensive Aboriginal painting ever sold at auction. They expected it to sell for up to A$2.5 million. This was more than double the previous record for Aboriginal art.
The painting sold for $2.4 million. The next day, it was announced that the National Gallery of Australia had bought it. This purchase was important. It helped keep a significant piece of Indigenous art in Australia.
Where to See His Art
You can find Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri's artworks in many important collections:
