Long Jack Phillipus Tjakamarra facts for kids

Long Jack Phillipus Tjakamarra (born around 1932 – died in 2020) was an important Ngalia and Warlpiri man from the Western Desert region of Australia. He was also a founding member of the famous Papunya Tula art group.

Long Jack Phillipus Tjakamarra: An Important Aboriginal Artist

Long Jack Phillipus Tjakamarra was a respected Elder and a talented artist. He was known for his unique dot paintings, which told stories about his land and culture. His art helped share the rich traditions of the Aboriginal people with the world.

The Papunya Tula Story

In the early 1970s, Long Jack Phillipus Tjakamarra was one of the first artists to join the Papunya Tula cooperative. This group was formed in a small community called Papunya in the Northern Territory. It was a very important moment for Aboriginal art.

Before this, Aboriginal art was mostly done on traditional surfaces like rock or bark. The artists at Papunya Tula started painting their ancient stories onto canvas and board. This allowed their art to be seen by many more people. The Papunya Tula movement helped Aboriginal art become recognized around the world.

His Art and Connection to Country

Long Jack Phillipus Tjakamarra's paintings often showed "Dreaming" stories. These stories are about the creation of the world and the journeys of ancestral beings. His art was a way to keep these important cultural stories alive.

In 1999, he shared a powerful message about his work:

I am still painting. Still holding my country.

This quote shows how deeply connected he was to his land and his art. For him, painting was a way to care for and remember his ancestral lands.

Where to See His Art

Long Jack Phillipus Tjakamarra's artworks are held in many important art collections. This means people from all over the world can see and learn from his paintings. Some of the places where his art is displayed include:

• The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (with 21 works, including Water and lightning story at Pulinganu from 1971 and Honey Ant story from 1971)
• Te Papa Tongarewa in New Zealand (with 2 works, Fire dreaming at Parikulaman and Water dreaming at Kalipinpa)
• The National Museum of Australia (with 2 works, Wilkinkarra men's camp from 1975 and Making spears from 1975)
• The National Gallery of Australia (with 4 works, including Snake story from 1973 and Water course)
• The National Gallery of Victoria (with 3 works, including Emu dreaming and Possum man and possum woman travelling)
• The Art Gallery of South Australia (with 2 works, Water dreaming from 1987 and Widow's dreaming from 1971)