JOHNNY POSSUM TJAPALTJARRI – CLIFFORD POSSUM – ABORIGINAL ART
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Artist Profile · Central Desert
Johnny Possum Tjapaltjarri
Willowra elder and former stockman, half-brother of Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri.
Born
c. 1940
Region
Willowra, north-west of Alice Springs, NT
Skin name
Tjapaltjarri
Half-brother
Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri
Elder and stockman
Johnny Possum Tjapaltjarri was born around 1940 in the Willowra region, north-west of Alice Springs. A senior elder, he is the half-brother of the late, internationally acclaimed artist Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri, one of the founders of the Papunya painting movement.
Johnny grew up in the bush and spent many years working as a stockman. Together with the singer-songwriter Ted Egan, he co-founded the Jangampa Dance and Theatre Group.
His work
Johnny’s paintings reflect his cultural traditions, using symbols from the ceremonial designs made on the ground and in initiation rituals. His work has been bought by institutions and private collectors around the world.
Ground designs
Men’s ceremony
Related artists
Damien Yilpi Marks · Michelle Possum Nungurrayi (Clifford Possum’s daughter)
Buying Johnny’s work
For authenticated paintings, buy through a recognised Aboriginal art gallery, and always ask for a certificate of authenticity.
Paintings by Johnny Possum Tjapaltjarri on eBay
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