Kamara Brandy Tjungurrayi
Born about 1930, died 2012
Manyjilyjarra, Kukatja language groups, Tjungurrayi skin group
Balgo community
Warlayirti Artists
The older brother of Patrick Tjungyrrayi and Elizabeth Nyumi, Brandy walked to old Balgo mission as a young man after the helicopter took his young cousin-brother to Balgo. He returned to collect his family and brought them back to Billiluna station travelling with drovers. Here he earned his name branding cattle in the yards. Brandy raised his family in Balgo and Kiwirrkurra. He lives in Balgo today with his five daughters and many grandchildren.
Nyaru
2007, by Brandy Tjungurrayi
acrylic on canvas, 149×75 cm
Warlayirti Artists
National Museum of Australia
I saw him go. That’s where he went from, Helicopter from Natawalu, mother and son. We saw them later when we came along behind. No wagon, just camels. We were walking with them. One kartiya [white man] went and sold cattle at Meekatharra then he came back [up the stock route] and took us with him.
This painting depicts part of the Tingari song cycle related to the artist’s Country, Nyaru. The ancestral figures Tjapangarti and Tjapanangka were painted up and had covered themselves in flowers so that they could not be seen. They were carrying firesticks and set fire to the Country, burning many people.
