About this artwork
This painting by husband and wife team, Johnny and Angie, depicts the objects and story associated with Jimmy’s Tjukurrpa (dreaming), his father’s story. It is set in Jimmy’s traditional country of Tjukukalyu, east of Balgo in the Tanami Desert.
The central weaving lines represent Tjurrnu (soak water) whilst the patterning surrounding it depict the Tali (sandhills).
About Jimmy Tchooga
Jimmy Tchooga is a prominent artist, a senior law man and lead singer for ceremony. Painting with strong hues, his dot work is both intentional and specific. Jimmy’s country is Tjukakarrinyu, east of Balgo in the Tanami Desert: primarily his paintings depict his Tjukurrpa, specifically his father’s creation story. Jimmy has been a strong cultural leader in the community and has been Chairperson and Director of Warlayirti artists for many years. Jimmy and Angie Tchooga are a strong team. They have been married since 1972 and have five sons, one daughter and many grandchildren. They have recently started painting collaboratively after they worked for a long time as solo artists. Jimmy creates bold lines and Angie complements his work with fine dotting. Together they make strong painting.
About Angie Topsy Tchooga
Angie is a reliable and active member of the community of Balgo having also served as Warlayirti Director. She was born at Sturt Creek Station where she was raised by elders of the Tjaru people. After completing her schooling at the Old Balgo Mission, Angie returned to Sturt Creek as a domestic worker. She has fond memories of taking the children out on bush trips during this period. Angie met her husband Jimmy on the station and then travelled to Balgo to marry in 1972. They have five sons, one daughter and many grandchildren. Jimmy and Angie would often migrate between Sturt Creek and Balgo until one of their sons fell ill and they moved permanently to Balgo to be close to the clinic. Angie has lived in Balgo for about 20 years and misses the country of Sturt Creek, however she is still able to visit her country for hunting and fishing. Angie has painted stories passed to her by her sister Napanangka (dec). Her sister grew up traditionally, living and hunting with her family on ancestral lands around Kintore, in the surrounding desert between the Northern Territory and Western Australia. Angie started painting in 1988 and her themes include waterlilies and the Tjurrkupa snake. She has travelled to Perth and Melbourne for exhibitions and together with Jimmy can be found at the art centre most days. Jimmy and Angie Tchooga are a strong team. They have recently started painting collaboratively after they worked for a long time as solo artists. Jimmy creates bold lines and Angie complements his work with fine dotting. Together they make strong paintings.
