PUMPUNI JILAMARA, 2002

Important Aboriginal + Oceanic Art
Melbourne
24 March 2010
14

Kutuwulumi Purawarrumpatu (Kitty Kantilla)

(c.1928 - 2003)
PUMPUNI JILAMARA, 2002

natural earth pigments and synthetic binder on canvas

60.5 x 79.5 cm

inscribed verso: artist's name and Jilamara Arts and Crafts cat. 443-02

Estimate: 
$18,000 - 25,000
Sold for $19,200 (inc. BP) in Auction 13 - 24 March 2010, Melbourne
Provenance

Jilamara Arts and Crafts, Melville Island (stamped verso)
Aboriginal and Pacific Art, Sydney
Private collection, New South Wales

Catalogue text

Characterised by a mixture of lines and dots, the abstract designs of Tiwi artdepict the ornate body painting that has been used for centuries as part of the Pukamani (mortuary) ceremonies. The works of Kutuwulumi Purawarrumpatu (Kitty Kantilla), for many years the senior and most renowned painter from Milikapiti, exemplified this enduring art movement. Her art is typified by amixture of intricate lines of dots, bold areas of solid pigment and areas of delicate line work. Pumpini Jilamara 2002 is a classic example by the artistwith the design defined by the overall grid, solid bands of ochre with eacharea in-filled with fine lines and dotting.

This painting is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Jilamara Arts and Crafts, Melville Island