Jean BAPTISTE APUATIMI

born 1940, Pirlangimpi, Melville Island
lives and works Bathurst Island
Skin name: Japajapunga (March Fly)
Language group: Tiwi

On Australia’s Tiwi Islands the art of body painting for ceremonial purposes has been practiced for thousands of years and the traditional forms of mark-making were derived from the creation story.  All Jilamara, (traditional Tiwi design), is drawn from body painting which accompanies various cultural ceremonies.

This work titled Jikapayinga by Jean Baptiste Apuatimi is a beautiful combination of Jilamara and an excellent example of some of the very contemporary work currently produced by the artist. The following is the artist’s explanation of this work:
 
"Jikapayinga (Female fresh water crocodile) live in waterlilly place. My husband taught me to paint Jikapayinga, that cheeky crocodile. She look after her baby that why she jump out of water. I never go in the boat, I'm frightened she might jump and grab me".

Jikapayinga references the distinctive traditional patterns used on Tiwi Pukumani (funeral ceremony) poles and carvings whilst also denoting the back of the crocodile - its thick and uneven and glorious textured skin - and capturing the movement of the crocodile as it swims through the water. This work has a beautiful rhythmic pattern and through it one can almost see the crocodile sliding through the dark dense water. The great almost instinctive sense of design of the Tiwi artists is exemplified in this work - pure design and structure.

Other selected artwork acquisitions