Wanpuritjintjana 1999 by Dr George Tjapaltjarri 198x61cm

Wanpuritjintjana, 1999 by Dr. George Tjapaltjarri

Dr. George Tjapaltjarri’s Wanpuritjintjana (1999) is a masterful depiction of the sacred Tingari Cycle, set at the remote site of Wanpuritjintjana in the Gibson Desert, his ancestral homeland. Rich in cultural significance, this powerful painting embodies the ancestral narratives passed down through generations, yet, as with all Tingari Dreaming stories, its deeper meanings remain secret and sacred, reserved for initiated custodians of knowledge.

The composition is layered with profound symbolism: the stark white roundels against a black background signify underground caves where the Tingari ancestors performed rituals, while also representing ceremonial body paint. A dynamic interplay of red and white dotting emerges across the surface, forming vibrant, roundel-like shapes—metaphors for the controlled fires set by the old Tingari ancestor as he burned the spinifex-covered land in search of food. This ancient practice of fire management continues to hold ecological and spiritual significance today.

The Tingari Cycle is central to Western Desert law and cosmology, chronicling the epic journeys of Tingari men and their novices, shaping the land and forming sacred sites through their rituals. These ancestral songlines remain integral to initiatory teachings, ensuring the continuity of knowledge and cultural identity.

A rare and evocative piece, Wanpuritjintjana offers collectors a window into one of the last great desert traditions, captured through Dr. George Tjapaltjarri’s distinctive visual language. His work is a testament to the enduring power of the Dreaming—an art form that bridges the physical and spiritual worlds.