Travelling Ceremony - Uta Uta Tjangala

Uta Uta’s 1971 and 1972 paintings generally featured major story elements with only the barest dotted in-fill within the iconography and small sections of the background. The aesthetic balance and harmony of these works is derived through colour and weight rather than by a geometric division of the painted surface. The rather crude dotting and line work of these early paintings on board imbues them with an energy and power that is less apparent in his later more technically proficient works.

"For your records, I came across the aboriginal dot painting endeavours when I was a young engineer based in Alice Springs while employed by a local construction company.

In 1973 the company won a government contract to build fenced sporting facilities at Papunya and Yuendumu settlements and I was sent out to supervise the work. My team camped at the site for about a week, during which time I purchased six artworks from the art centre at Papunya by various artists including one by Uta Uta Tjangala. The work was done on whatever board materials could be scrounged up; hence the odd shape.

I have enjoyed owning this piece for 50 years and I sincerely hope the new owners derive as much pleasure from it as I have.”
P. Wolton