Ronnie Tjampitjinpa  by Richard

Ronnie was born around 1943 near Muyinnga about 100 Kilometres west of the Kintore Ranges. Ronnie's family moved extensively across the Pintupi Territory up through the Northern Territory, living the traditional ways, which Ronnie's  people have lived for over 40,000 years.   He was initiated into manhood in the early 1950’s at Yumari near Ronnie's birthplace. Shortly afterwards, due to drought conditions in the 1950’s, Ronnie and his family moved towards Haast’s Bluff and then later joined relatives at the newly settled Papunya Community. He found work as a fencer making the yards for cattle in the surrounding area.   It was during this time that Ronnie started to take an interest in the art movement happening at this time. Shortly after he started painting, he discussed with many people about moving back into the traditional lands.  His goal was made possible by the establishment of the Kintore Settlement in 1981.  

By being more in touch with his traditional lands and the Dreaming, Ronnie soon emerged as one of Papuna Tula's major artists. His work reflects his ties with his culture.  Ronnie's work follows the Pintupi style of strong circles joined together with connecting lines relating to the people and the land.  Being one of the major aboriginal artists Ronnie’s work has been featured in a lot of exhibitions and collections around Australia. He has had solo exhibitions at the Utopia Gallery and the Gallery Gabrielle. Several of his group exhibitions include the Dreamtime Gallery, the Australian National Gallery and the Art Gallery of South Australia. He also has a permanent collection at the National Gallery and the Art Gallery of Victoria.  His work has a simplicity that makes it appealing, yet mysterious as we try to understand what he is painting.  By painting the Dreamtime, Ronnie is helping to resurrect the aboriginal culture  and allow outsiders to learn all about one of the oldest cultures in the world. This work is important to the culture of this land.