Brogas Tjapangati b. 1949

Also known as Bruce Brogas Japangardi, Bruce Brogas Jabanardi, Brogus Tjapangati
  • Artist (Carver),
  • Artist (Painter)
Tjapangati began painting in Papunya (NT) in 1984 after carving for many years, a skill which he also taught to students at Papunya School. He has lived in Alice Springs and Hermannsburg, and carried out a major commission for the Queensland Art Gallery.

Born at Haasts Bluff on 10 November 1949 Brogas was named after his grandfather. Clifford Possum taught him to carve and he had a job at Papunya school for a time, giving 'manual training’ classes in the carving of snakes and goannas. Billy Stockman , Tim Leura and Dinny Nolan were among the Papunya Tula painters he watched and learned from as a young man growing up in Papunya. He later lived for long periods in Alice Springs and also at Hermannsburg where his wife’s family lives. His father’s country lay in Warlpiri territory around Kunatjarrayi and Pikilyi, his mother’s around Ilpilli, Kalipinypa and Tjikarri. His paintings depict the Witchetty Grub and Water Snake, Parrot, Rock Wallaby and Women’s Dreaming stories across these areas.

Writers:
Johnson, Vivien Note: primary biographer
Date written:
1994
Last updated:
2011