We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of NSW stands.

Title

Snakes and Freshwater at Warrumpa S.W. of Lake Mackay

1996

Artist

Takariya Napaltjarri

Australia

1960 –

Language group: Pintupi, Western Desert region

  • Details

    Place where the work was made
    Central and Western Desert → Northern Territory → Australia
    Date
    1996
    Media category
    Painting
    Materials used
    synthetic polymer paint on linen canvas
    Dimensions
    106.5 x 28.0 cm
    Signature & date

    Not signed. Not dated.

    Credit
    Mollie Gowing Acquisition fund for Contemporary Aboriginal art 1997
    Location
    Not on display
    Accession number
    67.1997
    Copyright
    © Takariya Napaltjarri. Licensed by Aboriginal Artists Agency Ltd

    Reproduction requests

    Artist information
    Takariya Napaltjarri

    Works in the collection

    1

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  • About

    The irregular shape towards the centre of this painting depicts the fresh water site of Warrumpa, on the south-western side of Lake Mackay. The small round shapes also depict other fresh water supplies in the area. The artist has depicted the dangerous snakes which live under the lake in the vicinity of the site. In mythological times a large number of women gathered here to perform ceremonies.

    Documentation Card, Papunya Tula Artists Pty Ltd, 1996

  • Places

    Where the work was made

    Central and Western Desert

  • Exhibition history

    Shown in 2 exhibitions

    • Papunya Women, Utopia Art Sydney Pty Ltd, Alexandria, 16 Nov 1996–14 Dec 1996

    • Bulada, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, 23 Aug 1997–14 Dec 1997