Jimmy Robertson Jampijinpa

Jimmy Robertson Jampijinpa (1944-2002) was one of the founding members of the art movement, in the mid-1980s, in Lajamanu, in the cultural area of central Australia, in the desert, but far to the north.

Born Yinjirri around 1944-1946, he lived in Lajamanu. Some Aboriginal people, including many Warlpiri, his language group, were moved to Lajamanu, but his family was originally from the Mount Doreen area and Jila Well.

He sometimes collaborated with his wife, Denise Tasman Napangardi, to paint certain works.

One of Lajamanu's most famous painters, he introduced dances, songs, and paintings to Sydney, Perth, and Adelaide, the United States, and Paris. Some Parisians remember him for bringing a trunk full of boomerangs and setting up a stall along one of the main boulevards. He was an exceptional and colorful character who attended the very first exhibition of Lajamanu artists at the Gabrielle Pizzi Gallery in Melbourne in 1987. He planned to return to the United States.
He lived in Lajamanu with his two wives and nine children, and taught dance and tradition to the young boys at the Lajamanu school.

He painted many themes, which demonstrates his wide knowledge: He was the guardian of important sites such as Yunga (a site closely linked to the Fire Dreaming), Warntapari (where the Water Dreaming "ends"), Makarrangu (Dreaming of the Dog, which only Jimmy's family is allowed to paint), Jurntuwarriji (a theme inherited from his grandfather) and Ngurlurlirrinya. The Dreamings he painted were Pamapardu (Flying Ant), Malikijarra (Dreaming of the Two Dogs), Watiyawarnu, Ngapa (Water) and Purruparnta (occasionally), among others. A respected initiate, he painted in a very classical style. His paintings have the power of sacred and ancient motifs.

The canvas is inspired by the motifs of the Dog's Dream (Dingo) associated with the site of Makarrangu, the very site where he was born.

His works are part of important collections:

Art Gallery of Western Australia

Kelton Foundation (USA)

National Gallery of Victoria