A cave Dreaming
Anatjari TJAKAMARRA: artist
The sparseness of this painting is indicative of the essential linear symbolism that lies at the heart of much of the Central Desert aesthetic. The use of only three colours (black, white and red) gives the composition a starkness which appears as a dominant characteristic of Anatjari Tjakamarra's work. The construction of the composition around a series of concentric squares introduces the illusion of three-dimensionality, which led some early commentators to draw comparisons with aspects of 1960s Op Art.
While maintaining a strong adherence to his traditional artistic roots, Anatjari developed a compositional complexity which finds a strong resonance with much contemporary art throughout the world. This feature of his work remains one of many mysteries of a style of art that has developed over thousands of years.
While maintaining a strong adherence to his traditional artistic roots, Anatjari developed a compositional complexity which finds a strong resonance with much contemporary art throughout the world. This feature of his work remains one of many mysteries of a style of art that has developed over thousands of years.
Title
A cave Dreaming
Artist/Maker and role
Anatjari TJAKAMARRA: artist
Date
1972
Medium
powdered pigment and synthetic polymer binder on composition board
Measurements
66.2 x 57.0 cm
Credit line
Purchased through the BHP Community Trust, The Art Gallery of Western Australian Foundation, 1996
Licensed by Aboriginal Artists Agency Ltd
The State Art Collection, The Art Gallery of Western Australia
Accession number
1996/0082