Tingari | SP-1149

DOB: c. 1950

Birthplace: Palinpalintjanya, WA

Skin name: Tjapangati

Language: Pintupi

Community: Kintore, NT





Born northwest of Jupiter Well, Western Australia, Charlie Tjapangati and his family were brought to Papunya by the Northern Territory Welfare Branch patrol in the 1960s.

Whilst living at Papunya, he observed the male artists painting but it was not until about 1978 that he began painting for Papunya Tula Artists. In 1982 Charlie moved to the Pintupi settlement of Kintore.

Charlie’s works generally depict the significant ceremonial story of the Tingari Cycle, a vast network of Tjukurrpa (Dreaming) songlines which traverse the Western Desert. The Tingari Dreaming holds deep significance for the Pintupi people, encompassing rituals, sacred sites, social structure and ancient law. It is said to have originated from an ancient Creation era.