Fred Tjakamarra

Born near Lappi Lappi (Hidden Basin) Western Australia, c.1925, Fred Tjakamarra was a Kukatja speaker. His country was Ngapakulangu, near Hidden Basin. He was one of a number of Tjakamarra men in the Balgo community responsible for important Water Dreaming sites and associated rain ceremonies in this remote region. A senior man, he took to painting only in 1990, but produced a large body of work for Warlayirti Artists in a short time. He painted Water Dreamings, his works always presenting a strong visual image and communicating also something of the artist’s knowledge and authority in the community.