Yala Yala Gibbs Tjungurrayi facts for kids

Yala Yala Gibbs Tjungarrayi (born around 1924 or 1928, died 1998) was an important Indigenous Australian artist. He spoke the Pintupi language. Yala Yala was born in a place called Iltuturunga. This area is in the Western Desert. It is near Lake Macdonald, close to the border of Western Australia and the Northern Territory. In 1963, he moved with his family to Papunya in the Northern Territory. Yala Yala was one of the first artists to paint for the Papunya Tula art group. This group started in 1971. His wife, Ningura Napurrla, was also a Papunya Tula artist. He helped look after important Pintupi sacred ceremonies and special places.

Who Was Yala Yala Gibbs Tjungarrayi?

Yala Yala Gibbs Tjungarrayi was a famous artist. He was known for his unique paintings. These paintings often showed stories from his culture. He was a key part of a new art movement. This movement helped share Aboriginal art with the world.

His Early Life

Yala Yala was born in the vast Western Desert. This is a large, dry area of Australia. His birthplace, Iltuturunga, was a remote spot. It was near Lake Macdonald. This area is close to where Western Australia and the Northern Territory meet. Life in the desert was traditional. People lived off the land. In 1963, Yala Yala and his family moved. They went to a community called Papunya. This move was a big change for them.

Starting His Art Career

Papunya became a very important place for Aboriginal art. In 1971, the Papunya Tula art cooperative began there. Yala Yala Tjungarrayi was one of the very first artists to join. He helped start this famous group. The artists painted their traditional stories. They used new materials like canvas and paint. This helped their art reach many more people.

His Art and Culture

Yala Yala's art was deeply connected to his culture. He was a respected elder. He was a "custodian" of Pintupi sacred ceremonies. This means he was responsible for keeping these traditions alive. His paintings often showed "Dreaming" stories. These stories explain how the world was created. They also show important places and events. His art helped pass on these ancient stories.

Where to Find His Art

Yala Yala Gibbs Tjungarrayi's artworks are very important. They are kept in major art galleries. People can see his paintings in different places. These places include:

• The MAGNT. They have his works like Kurrkati – Goanna Dreaming (1972) and Old Man Dreaming (1974).
• The NGA. Here you can see Five Women in the Kalipinypa Rain Dreaming Country (1972). They also have Wirrpi – Near Lake Macdonald (1997).
• The NGV. This gallery has five of his paintings. These include Snake and water dreaming and Tingarri dreaming at Palintja.
• The Queensland Art Gallery. They own his painting Tingari men running towards Marrapinta (1984).
• The Kerry Stokes Collection. This collection has his work Eaglehawk dreaming (1998).