For the uninitiated, Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri is an Aboriginal artist who is highly revered by his people. Through his art, he has created iconic symbols that have been used in many forms of media around the world – no list of popular Aboriginal artists is complete without mentioning Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri.
Let’s take a closer look at this amazing artist and his iconic symbols.
Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri was born around 1932 in the Northern Territory of Australia near Alice Springs. His works depict intricate stories from his Aboriginal culture, which date all the way back to Creation Time. He was one of the first Aboriginal artists to create “dot paintings” – using dots to create beautiful patterns and designs on canvas – which are now found all over Australia. His works are known for their dreamy landscapes with intricate details, often including snakes, lizards, trees, and other animals featured prominently in his work.
The Rainbow Serpent
Tjapaltjarri’s most famous symbol is the Rainbow Serpent, which is featured in many of his works. The Rainbow Serpent symbolises fertility, creativity, renewal, and transformation; it is believed that this powerful creature can shape-shift between forms as well as move through land and water with ease. Other symbols used in Tjapaltjarri’s works include circles (which represent life cycles), triangles (which represent strength), and crosses (which represent balance). Additionally, he often includes white dots to represent stars or heavenly bodies in the sky – a common theme throughout many Aboriginal artworks.
Tjapaltjarri’s work has been exhibited around the world, including at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and the Royal Academy of Art in London. His work has also been featured on postage stamps for both Australia Post and Britain’s Royal Mail Service. Interestingly enough, some of Tjapaltjarri’s works have even been used as logos for various companies!
Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri’s legacy lives on
Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri is an incredible artist whose iconic symbols have been displayed around the world for decades now – a true testament to their timelessness and beauty! Through his artwork, we are able to learn more about Aboriginal culture while also appreciating its beauty firsthand.
Whether you’re seeing one of Tjapaltjarri’s pieces at a museum or seeing them incorporated into logos or advertisements – there’s no denying that these vibrant images will continue to captivate viewers for years to come! So if you ever get the chance to explore Aboriginal artwork featuring Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri’s iconic symbols – don’t miss out! It’s truly an unforgettable experience.
