Tutuma Tjapangati b. c.1915

Also known as Old Tutuma Japangardi
  • Artist (Painter)
One of the first Pintupi to own his own camels and one of the original Papunya Tula Artists, Tutuma was always eager to depict his Dreaming stories in a loose energetic style.

Of the Pintupi/Wenampa tribe, Tutuma was one of the first Pintupi to own his own camels, which he used to go on extensive trips throughout his country west of Lake McDonald. An important ceremonial leader, he was one of the original group of painters at Papunya, eager to depict his Dreaming stories onto board with paint. He travelled to Sydney in 1981 with Mick Namarari and Nosepeg for an exhibition of paintings at Sid’s Gallery Darlinghurst. His country lay west of Lake McDonald across the WA border and around Lake Hopkins. He moved out to Kintore with the rest of the Pintupi at the beginning of the ’80s and continued painting for Papunya Tula Artists until the mid ’80s, although hampered by failing eyesight.

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