Vignette 140: Tjakamarra artwork

John Tjakamarra (1937–1992) was a contemporary First Nations artist of the Pintupi people, Western Australia. Tjakamarra came to Papunya, northwest of Alice Springs in 1964. In late 1972 he became an early shareholder of the Papunya Tula Artists company, pivotal to the establishment of modern First Nations painting.

In 1984, Professor David Saunders arranged for the University to purchase one of Tjakamarra’s paintings together with another two First Nations works by fellow Papunya Tula artists. 

The painting, created in 1983, is officially without title, and is referred to as Title Unknown—Painting Related to Tingari Ceremonies.

The purchase was funded by The University of Adelaide Foundation Grant and presented to the University community at the 1984 Annual General Meeting of the Foundation. 

The University of Adelaide: 150 Years of Making History.  Preserving a legacy.  p.188