CONRAD TIPUNGWUTI
Conrad Tipungwuti (b. 1962)
Untitled
98 x 89 cm. Ochres on Linen.
ARTIST
Conrad Tipungwuti (born September 24, 1962) is a distinguished Tiwi artist from the Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory, Australia. He has been an active member of the Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association in Milikapiti since the late 1990s, where he has developed a unique and expressive artistic style.
Tipungwuti's work primarily explores themes central to Tiwi culture, notably the Kulama (initiation ceremony) and Pakitiringa (rain). His paintings are characterized by their dynamic energy and freshness, often utilizing natural ochres sourced locally from the Tiwi Islands. These ochres are applied to various surfaces, including canvas, linen, and paper, reflecting traditional practices in a contemporary context.
As part of the Ngawa Mantawi ("all of us together") program at Jilamara, Tipungwuti collaborates with fellow artists, including Timothy Cook. This initiative supports artists with special needs, enabling them to pursue successful careers while remaining connected to their community and heritage.
Throughout his career, Tipungwuti has participated in numerous exhibitions and art fairs, showcasing his work both nationally and internationally. His contributions have been recognized in events such as the Melbourne Art Fair 2025, where he presented a series of earth pigment paintings on linen depicting the Warnarringa (Sun) ceremony.
WORK
Ochres on linen is a common technique in Aboriginal art, especially among artists from the Northern Territory and Kimberley regions. Ochres are natural earth pigments derived from minerals, including red, yellow, white, and black, and have been used in Aboriginal art for thousands of years.
When applied to linen, a modern alternative to traditional bark or rock surfaces, ochres create a rich, textured effect while maintaining the deep cultural significance of these pigments. The process typically involves grinding ochres into a fine powder, mixing them with a natural binder (like water or fixatives), and applying them using brushes or fingers.
This combination allows artists to continue their ancestral traditions while adapting to contemporary materials, ensuring broader accessibility for collectors and galleries.