John Lee Tjakamarra

152 JOHN LEETJAKAMARRA Wilgingarra, Marruwa and Bibbar, 1999 born 1949 synthetic polymer paint on linen 120.5 x 80.5 cm inscribed verso: artist's name, size, Warlayirti Artists cat. 798/99 ESTIMATE: $2,000 – 3,000 PROVENANCE Warlayirti Artists, Balgo Hills The Collection of William and Lucy Mora, Melbourne

John Lee Tjakamarra Kukatja (born 1955) Lurrnpa Wirrimanu, 2002 synthetic polymer paint on linen 120 x 80cm PROVENANCE Warlayirti Artists, WA, cat.no.563/02; accompanied by original certificate of authenticity Palya Art, Darwin, cat.no.PALYA-0892; accompanied by original certificate Private Collection, QLD Documentation reads John has painted an important Tjukurrpa (Dreamtime) story relating country close to Balgo. The Luurnpa or Kingfisher is seen at the top centre of the painting singing out to say goodbye to the people. The abstract design to the edges of the painting represents the wind off the wings of the kingfisher as it flew south and the song like a sound wave pushed the hills from the centre to form to the sides. The central square represents the campsite where Luurnpa stopped on the way. John learnt this song from his elders as he was going through law.