George Maxwell Tjangala
Pintupi people WA c. 1925-1989
Lumpintja
Acrylic on linen
212 x 200.5 cm
BCEC Art Collection
George Maxwell Tjangala was born at Tjunangka, a site to the north of the Kintore Community. His family lived a nomadic lifestyle in this area, moving to Haasts Bluff Community when George was a young man. He started painting in 1976 as the painting movement shifted from small boards to larger canvas paintings.
The site of Lumpitja, a swampy area to the south of the Kintore Ranges, is represented in this work. In mythological times, two men of the Tjangala kinship subsection lit a bush fire in the area. A large snake which lived in the swamp flew into the air in fright and travelled to Wilkinkarra (Lake MacDonald). The two men carried the fire away; one to the south and the other to the west. After they had gone the snake returned to the swamp. The roundels represent camp sites.