Ngaturn, 2007 by Tommy Mitchell 76x76cm

Ngaturn, 2007 by Tommy Mitchell, senior lawman who actively participated in traditional ceremonies and played a crucial role in passing on his Tjukurrpa (Dreaming stories) to his family.

Tommy Mitchell, born around 1943 in the Warakurna side of Papulankutja, in the NPY Lands. His artwork often reflects his deep connection to his mother’s and uncle Tjunka Lewis’s country, particularly a special place called Wakalpuka, a rockhole at the base of Wakalpuka. One of his notable stories involves the Patjarrtja (native quoll), which has become extinct in the region due to feral cats.

Tommy’s country includes Ngaturn and Walu. He lived in Warakurna with his family and began painting with Warakurna Artists in mid-2005, quickly emerging as one of its senior artists. His paintings vividly depict the Tjukurrpa from his father's and mother's country, narrating the stories he was told in his childhood.

Tommy often recounted his experiences traveling around the sandhills (tali country) with his family, living a traditional bush life. He hunted marlu (kangaroo), rabbits, tirnka (small goanna), and native pussycat, and collected bush foods like tjarnmarta (bush onions), maku (bardi grubs), and kampurarrpa (bush raisins).

Tommy Mitchell sadly passed away in 2013, leaving behind a rich legacy through his art and storytelling.

Provenance is Warakurna Arts Cat 434-07.