Jilamara, 2000 by Jean Baptiste Apuatimi 80x80cm Cat 14411JB

Jilamara, 2000 by Jean Baptiste Apuatimi

"This is olden days painting (Parlini Jilamara). Long time ago in the early days we put Yalinga - red, Arrikininga - yellow, and Tutyangini - white ochre on our face and body for Pukamani and Kulama ceremonies. We call this Minga. Sometimes we still do this. My husband taught me this style. He used to tell me stories about that painting."

At the age of 14, Jean Baptiste Apuatimi’s parents chose Declan Apuatimi as her husband, making them one of the first Tiwi couples to marry in a Catholic ceremony. Declan, a renowned dancer, singer, and pre-eminent Tiwi artist, taught Jean how to mix ochres and paint. They had eleven children, but only six survived. The loss was so profound that in each Pukamani ceremony thereafter, Declan danced in memory of his lost children.

When her husband passed away in 1985, Jean moved back to Milikapiti, Melville Island, where she painted alongside Kitty Kantilla. For Jean, painting is a way of remembering Declan, who passed on his personal jilamara (design). While his influence is evident, Jean's work shows a dramatically reinterpreted expression. After Declan's passing, Jean focused on her own art, immersing herself in creating and forging a radical individual style.

Painting provenance: Jilamara Arts and Crafts, Melville Island - Ref Jilamara 106-00.