My Country | PPFA2021-567

DOB: c. 1935

Passed: 2017

Birthplace: Anamarapiti, WA

Language: Pitjantjara

Skin Group: Karimara


Tommy Yannima Watson was a senior Pitjantjatara artist born in Anumarapiti, desert country west of Irrunytju Community (Wingellina) in Western Australia. Tommy’s skin group was Karimara from the Pitjantjatjara language.

Tommy spent his early childhood and teenage years learning from his father the practical skills on how to survive on their lands in the arid regions of the Gibson Desert. This included where to find food and water at specific waterholes. Tommy’s parents passed away when he was young, so he was adopted by Nicodemus Watson, his father's first cousin. Tommy moved to Ernabella Mission and took the surname Watson, therefore becoming Tommy Yannima Pikarli Watson. It was at Ernabella Mission in the 1940’s that Tommy first met white people.

After his time at Ernabella Mission, Tommy left to live in the bush until his adult years when he started working as a stockman and labourer on cattle stations. It was during his years in the bush that he learned the skills of living off the land and cemented his love and intimate knowledge of country.

During Tommy’s adult years he travelled to many communities including Hermannsburg, where he saw Albert Namitjira paint his renowned watercolours, and Papunya where the world was being introduced to the desert art movement. Tommy was well acquainted with the Aboriginal art movement throughout his life but would not begin painting until his 60s.

In 2001, Tommy began painting with a small group of artists at Irrunytju art centre. He began painting pieces inspired by his ancient Dreamings. With his artwork creating a statement of title to land, they are distinguished by a colourful notion where the celebration of Tommy’s relation to country is made through use of bright colours and thick layering of acrylic paint. His signature colours are the deep rich tones of red, burgundy, gold and magenta pink, with paler highlights in yellow or white. Importantly, no icons or colours that may give insight into ritual knowledge is used. It is only the titles of Tommy’s artworks that describe locations or stories of personal and private significance.

In 2002, Tommy was selected as a finalist at the NATSIAA in Darwin, widely recognised as the one of the peak Indigenous art industry awards. In 2006, he was among eight Aboriginal artists whose work was integrated into the Musee du quai Branly building in Paris. These achievements, with his story, earned Tommy Watson a reputation as one of the most respected and collectable artists from the desert art movement.

Tommy passed away in Alice Springs in November 2017.