Born in 1948 at McDonald Down Station in Utopia, Tommy Jones Kngwarreye is the son of Jacob Jones and Dolly Kemarre. Tommy hails from a family deeply rooted in artistic tradition, with his brothers Lenny, John, and Freddie, and his sister Lily Sandover, all being notable artists. His primary artistic focus is on the Caterpillar Dreaming, a significant story from his father's country.
The Caterpillar Dreaming is a central theme in Tommy's work, symbolising creation stories significant to the central desert people. This story describes the giant caterpillars, Yeperenye, Ntyarlke, and Utnerrengatye, believed by neighbouring Arrente people to have formed the magnificent MacDonnell Ranges east and west of Alice Springs. These caterpillars entered the world through gaps in the escarpment, leaving a lasting mark on the landscape.
Tommy's work is characterised by a formal painting technique using earth-based ochre hues like red, yellow, and black. His art incorporates traditional symbols derived from ceremonial sand paintings and body paint designs. Symmetry is a vital aspect of his paintings, reflecting the spiritual order of the universe. Through his acrylic on canvas and linen works, Tommy continues to preserve and share the rich cultural heritage of his people.
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