Darby Jampijimpa Ross: Emu & Water Jukurrpa

Darby Jampijimpa Ross, Emu and Water Jukurrpa

DARBY JAMPIJIMPAS ROSS (Australian, 1905-2005) Emu and Water Jukurrpa 2000 Screenprint Edition: 30/100 Dimensions 32.5cm x 49.5cm Acquired 2000 109615

Biography:

Darby Jampijinpa Ross was born in the bush at Ngarliyikirlangu and grew up as a traditional nomad, trekking and hunting with his family.

A much-respected Warlpiri elder, he was a founding member of the Warlukurlangu artists community. His country lay to the north of Yuendumu and his totems were emu and bandicoot, but he also painted Ngapa (water), Pamapardu (flying ant) and Wardilyka (bush turkey).

Darby begun to paint with Warlukurlangu Artists in 1985 and regularly exhibited with them until he ceased painting in 2000. His work was included in major exhibitions including Dreamings: The Art of Aboriginal Australia, The Asia Society Galleries, New York, 1989; Mythscapes: Aboriginal Art of the Desert, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, 1989.

He is represented in the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) and the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW) and private collections in Australia.

Artwork:

Darby’s painting represents the creation period of “Dreaming” for his country and people.  The work depicts an emu (yankirri) and water (ngapa) jukurrpa; with the latter being an important aspect of Australian Indigenous culture.

View: more works by Darby Jampijinpa Ross at the National Gallery of Victoria, the Art Gallery of New South Wales,