Clifford's work is contemporary but essentially Aboriginal in inspiration. Since he commenced painting Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri has painted his country and culture. In all his works Clifford "expresses both his custodianship of the ancient Dreaming stories of Aboriginal Central Australia recounted in his paintings, and the inexhaustible freshness and brilliance of his won artistic vision".

Clifford Possum was born in 1932 on Napperby Station. He worked extensively as a stockman on the cattle stations in and around his traditional country. During this time he developed an encyclopaedic knowledge of the Dreaming Trails that criss-crossed the area to the north of the western McDonnell Ranges.

Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri's career as an artist began in the 50s when he carved snakes and goannas. By the 70s he was one of the most accomplished carvers in Central Australia. His first opportunity to paint came when one of Albert Namatjira's sons gave him acrylic paints and the master began his work. Cliffordrd, living at the Papunya Community was one of the first artists to be involved with the Aboriginal Art Movement.

In the late70s he expanded the scope of Papunya Tula painting by placing the trails of several ancestors on the same canvas in the fashion of a road map. Within this framework, he depicted the land geographically. This laid the foundation for traditional Aboriginal iconography to be placed on canvas. The other artist working with him took his lead and removed any elements of European Art from their work. In doing so Clifford, as well as the other artists involved with the Papunya Tula Movement helped to develop the true definition of Aboriginal Art, an art revolving around a culture, the Tjukurrpa (ancient stories).

This exhibition combines these ongoing elements of Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri 's passion to express the truths of his culture contained in his Dreaming stories through his art. It is an exceptional testament to both his genius and his passion for innovation. The show includes brilliant examples of his unique dot paintings alongside his most recent more gestural works. The exhibition also features recent examples of Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri's carvings which sees him return to the medium he used is when he started his artistic career. Although he never lost his love of carving it is only in recent times that he has had the opportunity to work in wood again telling of his stories and his country.

This exhibition has been organized by Arnaud Serval a French curator/dealer who has spent over a decade regularly travelling to Australia to develop his knowledge and appreciation of Australian Aboriginal Art. Mr Serval has a gallery in Paris which specialises in Aboriginal art and he has organised numerous group exhibitions of Australian Aboriginal Art. He has collaborated with Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri since 1997 exhibiting his work in a highly successful and widely acclaimed exhibition in Paris. Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri is one of the most renown Aboriginal artists of his time. He was chairman of the Papunya Tula Artists from the 1970s-1980s. His work is featured in many of the main galleries and collections around Australia and Internationally including the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

On view:	22nd August - 3rd September 2001
	Mary Place Gallery 12a Mary Place (between Brown and Liverpool Sts) Paddington 2021
Telephone:	02 9332 1875
Fax	02 9361 4108
Hours:	Tues-Sat 11.00 to 6.00 Sun 1-6.
Admission:	Free

Works in the exhibition are available for purchase

Media Information - Sandra Byron (tel.02 9252 9800, fax. 02 9252 9700)

Interviews: email: [email protected]
[email protected]