Kaapa Tjampitjinpa

Kaapa Tjampitjinpa (* 1925 in Yaltjijira, Northern Territory, Australia, † 1989), also known as Kaapa Mbitjana Tjampitjinga, was one of the first Aboriginal painter who painted in the style of dot painting.

Early life

In his first years of life Kaapa lived at the western end of the country of Anmatyerre - Aboriginal people. He fled with his family from racist attacks in the Napperby station, which culminated in 1928 in the Coniston massacre. As a young man Kaapa worked as a drover, before he settled in Haasts Bluff and from 1957 in Papunya.

Painting

Kaapa painted before the birth of the dot -painting - style watercolors and created wood carvings, which he sold in order to secure the support of his family.

With six other Aboriginal artists, including Billy Stockman Tjapaltjarri and Long Jack Phillipus Jakamarra, he painted in August 1971 under the guidance of art teacher Geoffrey Bardon, the Honey Ant Mural. This mural at the school in Papunya was lost. It is considered the most significant stylistic work of early modern Aboriginal painting. Before creating this work with mythical themes Kaapa had obtained permission from the Elders of the Aborigines.

Artists Papunya Tula Artists community goes much back to his initiative. He was the founding president of this community in 1972.

Kaapa took on ceremonial themes of the culture of Anmatyerre in his works.

In September 1971 Kaapa won the Caltex Art Award. This award was the first public recognition of Aboriginal painting in dot painting style.