Djaringarra - Boxer Milner Tjampitjin

Boxer Milner lived on Tjaru land, where the country and vegetation move from flat and featureless rolling Spinifex plains to flood plains with enormous river channels and permanent water holes. Here the yearly cycles of flood and dry create swamps with abundant bird life, through which runs Purkitji, or Sturt Creek.

This work depicts a ceremonial re-enactment of the creation story of Djaringarra, a site found along the central sections of Purkitji (Sturt Creek). Boomerangs that were carved by the artist were used as a stencil to create the painting. These boomerangs are 'clapped' during dancing in men's ceremony itself. The circles represent tjurrnu (rockholes) which occur after the waters of Purkitji have receded following the wet season.

Boxer's unique aesthetic was informed by his intimate knowledge of all the facets of the river system. His paintings all depict different physical and mythological aspects of the middle and upper stretches of Sturt Creek.