Though he began painting at the late age of 85, Tiger Palpatja’s colourful, lively compositions immediately attracted acclaim in the art world. His use of blood reds, delicate pinks, lilacs and molten yellows imparts a gentle beauty to works renowned for their strong lines and writhing, serpentine forms.
Palpatja was a senior custodian of the Wanampi creation story, which was central to his identity and continues to guide people today in the reciprocal relationships between men and women.
His paintings offer a window into the soul of the earth, drawn from his own songlines and profound connection to Country. In this work, he has depicted some of the traditional bush foods favoured by the Pitjantjatjara people. He spoke of his Country near Piltati, where large rock holes are found.
At the centre of the painting are perentie (monitor lizards), a key food source. The circles surrounded by dots represent kampurarpa (bush raisins), while the plain circles without dots signify kapi tjukula — rock holes where water gathers after rain.
This imagery relates to a Creation story about the Perentie Man, who stole a grinding stone and was eventually killed near Piltati.
