30 June 2017
A rare painting by Aboriginal artist Tutuma Tjapangati has been purchased by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT), thanks to a $28,000 grant provided by the Coalition Government from its National Cultural Heritage Account.
The painting, Untitled (1971), is a significant early piece from the Papunya Art Movement, emanating from the point in time when Papunya artists began to use newly available materials to create works.
The country and story depicted in the painting is of particular significance to the Pintupi and Pitjantjatjara people of the Western Desert regions. The painting is an expression of their ongoing relationship to their lands.
This is the first time an institution in the Northern Territory has received funding through the National Cultural Heritage Account. The MAGNT owns the largest collection of Papunya paintings in the world and the artwork will be an important addition to its collection.
The MAGNT has engaged family and community members to help develop the collection of Papunya paintings and appropriately displayed since the 1970s.
The Government’s National Cultural Heritage Account enables cultural institutions like the MAGNT to acquire significant objects and ensure they are preserved in Australia for public display and the enjoyment of all.
For more information about the Account visit: www.arts.gov.au/national-cultural-heritage-account