Kulama, 2005 by Timothy Cook, 80x120cm, Cat 9246TC

Kulama, 2005 by Timothy Cook

“I will take a painting to heaven so my mother will recognise me.” – Timothy Cook

Timothy Cook's "Kulama, 2005" captures the essence of the traditional Kulama ceremony, a significant initiation for young men that coincides with the harvest of wild yam. This ceremony, performed in the late wet season (March/April), is marked by the appearance of a ring around Japarra (the moon). Elders of both sexes sing and dance for three days, welcoming the boys into adulthood, at which point they are renamed with their true man's name.

Timothy's artwork focuses on the Kulama design, where circles symbolize the moon, yam, and ritual circles of the ceremony while the pwanga (dots) represent the japalinga (stars). In his most recent paintings, Timothy has combined natural ochres—red, white, and yellow—with crushed charcoal as a base coat. Charcoal, traditionally used by his ancestors, is revisited in his modern palette, creating a profound connection to his heritage.

Timothy, with the skin name Marntupuni (House Fly), hails from Andranangoo (Goose Creek) and dances the Tartuwali (Shark). He is a highly awarded artist, with works represented in major collections in Australia and overseas. His provenance is Jilamara Arts, Melville Island.