Dennis Nelson Tjakamarra Luritja, b. 1962
48 1/8 x 48 1/8 in
This painting depicts the Kapi Tjukurrpa (Water Dreaming) site of Kalipinypa, North-east of Kintore. Dennis talks of Kalipinypa as Paradise Country. He remembers a story of this site where two birds wonder around for water. Underneath that water there is a snake making the water bubble. There is bush tucker all around. There are wild flowers, kapi tjukitji and water running.
The painting tells the story of an important rain making ceremony involving the rainmakers to invoke storms. Kalipinypa is a powerful storm that brings lightning, thunderclouds and rain to rejuvenate the earth, filling rock holes, clay pans and creeks. It has the power to create new life and growth upon the land. If present, the circles represent kapi tjukitji (rock holes) and the meandering lines depict the water flowing throughout the country and between waterholes. Background dotting represents the rejuvenating effect the rain has on the land, bringing out the bush food plants and providing easy access to water.