31st Mar, 2026 10:00
Modern and Contemporary Art
267
▲ Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri (Australian, 1932-2002)
'Bushfire Dreaming'
signed and dated 'CLIFFORD POSSUM/1997' verso, acrylic on linen
(2, painting and certificate)
89 x 135cm; framed 91 x 136cm
Footnote:This lot is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity issued by Aboriginal Fine Arts Gallery, Darwin.
Amongst the first artists to be involved in the Western Desert Art Movement, Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri joined the Papunya Artists in February 1972 as a founding director. He quickly emerged as one of the most creatively complex, inventive and accomplished artists of the group, through his impactful, multifaceted and meticulously rendered compositions.
Born at Napperby Station, he moved to Jay Creek as a child and lived a traditional bush upbringing, later finding work as a stockman. His interest in art started with carving, producing snakes and lizards, and it was only after acrylic painting came to the Papunya area in the early 1970s, that he turned to painting. He was chosen, along with his brother, to produce a grand canvas that became known as 'Warlugulong' for the BBC documentary 'Desert Dreamers' in 1976 and, in 1988, he held his first solo show at the Institute of Contemporary Art in London. He passed away in 2002, just days before he was to be sworn in as an officer of the Order of Australia, in recognition for his contribution to the Aboriginal art and culture of Australia.
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Sold for £4,000
Condition Report
There is a small 1 inch tear to the canvas near the top of the spine bone on the left skeleton, however in my opinion it is not that profoundly notable when viewing the work. A minor scuff is visible in the area of the brown spots along the lower edge, centre right. Additionally, there is a small white mark to the centre, as shown in the additional images. There are few tiny fragments (possibly straw?) trapped in the white paint (lower leg) in the upper right corner. Right edge of frame is missing.
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Auction: Modern and Contemporary Art, 31st Mar, 2026
Viewing
Stansted Viewing | Auction
Viewing will be held at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE, as follows:
Friday 27 March, 10am - 4pm
Sunday 29 March, 10am - 1pm
Monday 30 March, 10am - 4pm
All lots are, however, extensively illustrated and carry detailed condition reports - see 'Condition report' at the foot of each lot description.
The auction will take place at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE.
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