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Ronnie Tjampitjinpa
Ronnie Tjampitjinpa "Body paint designs" 121x153 cm - 1996 - Aboriginal Art

1996

$100,000
£76,349.55
€88,221.23
CA$140,381.07
A$156,469.33
CHF 82,094.09
MX$1,910,745.60
NOK 1,039,489.65
SEK 982,475.83
DKK 658,433.46

About the Item

Ronnie Tjampitjinpa (c.1943-2023) Size: 121x153 cm Year: 1996 Acrylic on canvas linen Aboriginal Art Provenance: Papunya Tula Artists Ronnie Tjampitjinpa was born around 1943 at Tjiturrunya, near Muyinnga, approximately 100 kilometers west of the Kintore Ranges, on the border between Western Australia and the Northern Territory. He belonged to the Pintupi language group and spent his early life living nomadically in the desert, following the traditional lifestyle of his ancestors. In the 1950s, due to severe drought conditions, his family was relocated to Haasts Bluff and later to Papunya. It was in Papunya that Ronnie was introduced to the emerging Western Desert art movement. Inspired by pioneering artists like Uta Uta Tjangala, he began painting in 1971. Ronnie’s artistic style is defined by bold geometric motifs that depict Dreamtime (Tjukurrpa) narratives, particularly those connected to the Tingari ceremonies, which are central to Pintupi culture. His works often feature concentric circles, radiating lines, and repeating forms that symbolically represent these sacred stories. In 1988, he won the Alice Springs Art Prize, solidifying his reputation as a major Indigenous artist. He was also a finalist multiple times in prestigious awards such as the Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award. His paintings are held in notable public and private collections, including the National Gallery of Australia, the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris, and the Seattle Art Museum. Beyond his artistic work, Ronnie played a vital role in the Pintupi people’s homelands movement during the 1980s, contributing to the establishment of communities such as Kintore (Walungurru). In 2004, he served as Chairman of Papunya Tula Artists, an influential organization in the promotion of contemporary Aboriginal art. Ronnie Tjampitjinpa passed away on June 20, 2023, in Alice Springs, leaving behind a lasting legacy in both the artistic and cultural spheres. Auction Record In November 2022, one of Ronnie Tjampitjinpa's paintings achieved a record auction price at Sotheby’s New York, selling for USD $378,000, a testament to his enduring influence and recognition in the international art market.
  • Creator:
    Ronnie Tjampitjinpa (1942 - 2015, Aboriginal Australian)
  • Creation Year:
    1996
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 47.64 in (121 cm)Width: 60.24 in (153 cm)Depth: 1.19 in (3 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    PARIS, FR
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU2847216125602

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