Desert Dreamscapes: The Art of the Tjapaltjarri Brothers is a tribute to the journey and artistic evolution of Warlimpirrnga, Walala, and the late Thomas Tjapaltjarri. Their connection to the land and its sacred stories, like the Tingari Cycle, is expressed in their distinct styles of painting. From Walala's geometric maps to Warlimpirrnga's mesmerizing desert landscapes, this exhibition celebrates their art, rooted in ancient tradition yet resonating within the contemporary art world.

Exactly forty years ago, in late 1984, international headlines were filled with the ’discovery’ of the last group of Australian First Nations people. These nine Pintupi tribesmen had walked from the bush west of Lake Owen and came into contact with western civilization. Warlimpirrnga Tjapaltjarri was about 25 years old at that time and his brothers Thomas and Walala, were mere teenagers. After this transformation in their life the Pintupi Nine moved to Western Desert settlements, where they were introduced to the painting movement. Warlimpirrnga, Thomas and Walala started painting in 1987 and went on to paint in very different styles, still referring to the Tingari Cycle, the collection of religious stories, ceremonies and laws that were transmitted to the inhabitants of the Western Desert by the Tingari; a group of spiritual beings that according to legend crossed a huge area of the Western Desert while performing rituals and thereby shaping the landscape and various holy places. The paintings by Walala are associated with the area known as Kakarrara and continues further west to Wilurrara. His distinct style is recognisable by outlines of rectangles surrounded by a minute dot-painting pattern placed on red or black background. The rectangles form both a physical and spiritual map, establishing Walala as a discerning draughtsman for his ancient country. Thomas had epilepsy and thus received a disability pension from the government from a young age. This soon earned him the nickname the 'Pensioner'. Thomas' Dreamings are inspired by his native land around Wilkinkarra. The paintings consists of simple, geometric motifs in a dotting-style that are reminiscent of his brothers as well as George Ward Tjungurrayi. Like them, Thomas paints the stories of the Tingari cycle. The designs featured in Warlimpirrnga’s paintings display the rich optical effect that is a feature of many western desert Aboriginal paintings. Lozenge shapes appear to gaze from the almost hypnotic field of dotted lines, resembling the effects of wind on the desert sandhills. After establishing relationships with their new community members, the Pintupi Nine were invited to live at Kiwirrkura, where most of them still reside. Sadly, Thomas Tjapaltjarri passed away suddenly in the Summer of 2024. Warlimpirrnga travels between Alice Springs and his native land in the Western Desert and continues to paint.