Water Dreaming

Johnny Warangkula Tjupurrula

c. 1925

2001

Luritja and Warlpiri

Ilypili, Ehrenberg Range, Kalpinya (North of Sandy Blight), Northern Territory

Acrylic on Canvas and Linen

Water Dreaming, Bush Yams, Fire Dreaming, Eagle, Goanna Dreaming, Untitled

Johnny was born in the Western Desert at a place called Minjilpirri where he lived a very traditional lifestyle during his early childhood years. His family later moved to the Hermannsburg Mission where he worked on the airstrip construction as well as passing through the ceremonies for manhood. Johnny later moved to Haasts Bluff then Papunya where he became an active leader of the community.

Johnny began his painting career in Papunya and quickly developed his own, distinctive style of overdotting, often with several layers and a free-flowing design. His works are held in numerous collections and have been exhibited across Australia and internationally.