Jimmy Pike facts for kids

Jimmy Pike (born around 1940, died 2002) was a famous Walmatjarri Aboriginal artist from Australia. He was known for his vibrant paintings and prints. His art often showed the beautiful landscapes and stories of the Great Sandy Desert.

Life Story of Jimmy Pike

Jimmy Pike was born in the Great Sandy Desert, east of a special waterhole called Japingka. When he was young, he lived as a hunter-gatherer. This means his family found their food by hunting animals and gathering plants.

Later, like many people, he moved north. He went towards the river valleys and big farms called sheep and cattle stations. Food was easier to find there. He lived near Cherrabun Station and later joined his relatives. He worked as a stockman, helping to look after cattle. A cattle station manager gave him the name Jimmy Pike. This name was inspired by a famous jockey.

Jimmy Pike learned how to use Western art materials while he was in Fremantle Prison. Even before he was released, his artwork was shown in big art galleries across Australia.

In 1989, a movie about his life was made. It was called The Quest of Jimmy Pike. He also worked with his wife, Pat Lowe, on several books. One book they illustrated together was Jimmy and Pat meet the Queen.

Jimmy Pike's art was shown all over the world. He had exhibitions in places like the United Kingdom, China, and Italy. In 1998, during an art show in London, he and his wife were invited to a special garden party at Buckingham Palace.

He also had a joint art show in Beijing, China. This exhibition was with Chinese artist Zhou Xiaoping. It was called "Through the Eyes of Two Cultures." Jimmy Pike was the first Australian painter to have his art shown in the National Gallery of China.

Jimmy Pike passed away in 2002 from a heart attack. His art continues to be celebrated and displayed in many important collections.

Where to See Jimmy Pike's Art

Jimmy Pike's artworks are held in many important art collections. This means you can find his paintings and prints in these places:

• Australian Museum, Sydney
• Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney
• Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide
• Art Gallery of Western Australia, Perth
• Flinders University Art Museum, Adelaide
• Gold Coast City Art Gallery, Surfers Paradise
• Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Darwin
• Museum Victoria, Melbourne
• National Gallery of Australia, Canberra
• National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
• National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour, Sydney
• Parliament House Art Collection, Canberra
• Queensland Art Gallery, Brisbane
• Queensland University of Technology Collection
• Queensland Museum
• The Holmes a Court Collection, Perth
• BHP Collection
• Oodgeroo Collection