My Country | SP-2021

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’s artwork created 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, along with his story, earned Tommy Watson a reputation as one of the most respected and collectable artists from the desert art movement.