Paddy Japaljarri Stewart facts for kids

Paddy Japaljarri Stewart (born June 30, 1935 – died November 30, 2013) was an important Aboriginal Australian artist. He came from Mungapunju, a place south of Yuendumu in Australia. Paddy was the leader of the Warlukurlangu Artists Committee.

He helped create the famous Honey Ant Dreaming mural on the school wall in Papunya in 1971. Many people say this mural was the start of the modern Aboriginal art movement.

Early Art and Famous Doors

In the early 1980s, people in Yuendumu started painting their traditional designs, usually made with ochre on the ground, onto canvas. Then, they began painting them on doors!

The Yuendumu Doors Project

In 1983, Paddy Stewart and four other artists painted 30 doors at the Yuendumu school. They used special Dreaming designs. These became known as the Yuendumu Doors. The paintings were meant to teach the schoolchildren about their land and traditions.

Later, in 1995, the South Australian Museum took care of all the Yuendumu Doors. Twelve of the best doors traveled around Australia for three years in an exhibition. Today, you can see the Yuendumu Doors at the South Australian Museum.

Warlukurlangu Artists Association

In 1985, the Warlukurlangu Artists Association was started in Yuendumu. This group helped Aboriginal artists share and sell their work. They held their first big art show that same year.

Sharing Culture Through Art

Paddy Stewart believed it was very important to keep traditions alive. He taught young artists about Jukurrpa (Dreaming) art. He showed them that painting could be a way to express themselves freely.

International Recognition

In May 1989, Paddy Stewart traveled all the way to Paris, France. He created a painting at the famous Centre Georges Pompidou art center. This helped his art become known around the world.

Keeping Traditions Strong

Paddy Stewart often talked about how important it was to pass down knowledge. He explained that his grandfather taught his father, and then his father taught him. He wanted to teach his grandchildren the same way. He said:

"My father taught me the traditional ways like the designs for kangaroo Dreaming and eagle Dreaming. He taught me to sing songs for big ceremonies. People in our family must share the same Dreaming and sing songs the same way. My Dreaming includes the kangaroo, the eagle, and the budgerigar. I have to hold onto these three Dreamings. This is what my father taught me, and I must teach my sons the same way. This is how it will continue from grandparents to children."

"Cookie" and Art Challenges

Early in his life, Paddy worked as a chef in Papunya. Because of this, he was often called "Cookie."

Sadly, many fake copies of Paddy Japaljarri Stewart's art were made. His case was one of the first art forgery cases heard in Australia. This shows how popular and valuable his art became.

Later Life and Awards

In 1995, doctors helped Paddy Stewart and other Aboriginal artists. They performed eye surgery to remove cataracts, which improved their vision.

In 2001, Paddy Stewart and another artist named Paddy Japaljarri Sims won a special art award. They received the $4,000 Telstra Work on Paper Award. This award is now called the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award.

Paddy Japaljarri Stewart passed away on November 30, 2013. His art and his dedication to his culture continue to inspire many people.