About Jack Yalatji Britten (c.1921-2002)
Jack Britten (c1921-2002) was born and raised in the bush on Tickalara cattle station, just south of Turkey Creek, at a time when many Gija people were massacred during the gold rush at Hall's Creek and Chinaman's Garden in the East Kimberley region. His intimate knowledge of his country proved invaluable to station managers and he spent most of his life as a stockman with legendary horsemanship skills on many East Kimberley cattle stations. He did not paint during his years in the saddle, the inspiration apparently not coming until he was community based, perhaps, from his proximity to such artists as the late greats, Queenie McKenzie, Paddy Jampinji (Jampiny), George Mung Mung and Rover Thomas. Jack actually began painting earlier than almost all of his contemporaries, including Rover Thomas and Paddy Jaminji. His grandparents taught him to paint using traditional materials, methods and themes and he is most renowned for his depiction of the Purnululu, the Bungle Bungle region, for which he was the most senior living custodian. As a senior 'lawman', his repertoire of the myths and legends of the 'gnarangkani' (dreamtime) is endless and provides a firm database for his very visual and descriptive canvases. He was one of the traditional owners of the Bungle Bungles.