Simple Wonders: Exhibition of the Paintings from the Collection of Andrew Johns Part Eight: Daniel Pata, Desmond Tjupurrula, Mary Morton Kemarre

Daniel Pataʼs (1952-) first studies in art took place in the early 1970s at the Julian Ashton Art School, subsequently leading to full time study at the National Art School (then known as East Sydney Technical College). He later engaged in studies at the College of Fine Art, University of New South Wales, where he completed a Post-graduate Diploma followed by a Master of Fine Arts. This study involved two years researching various aspects of Cézanneʼs pictorial elements in painting.¹

The two Pata paintings Andrew has submitted to the exhibition are: Rock Face at Ku-Ring-Gai and Collins Beach as shown below.

As Pata explains: The primary focus of my work is the landscape both in Australia and Europe, particularly France, which I regard as a second home. I respond to the differences of light, shade and colour giving distinction to various places. Added compositional factors create an alignment with abstract qualities that interest me. I work with various media and particularly enjoy finely observed pencil drawings, studio oils and works that utilise watercolour to most effectively capture the mood I wish to express.¹

Pata is primarily a figurative landscape painter. His subjects explore the extremes of landscape, ranging from coastal environments to arid regions of the outback. Favourite locations in France include Etretat, where many well known French artists found inspiration in the precipitous cliffs, and Collioure, where Fauvism was conceived by Matisse and Derain. Desert regions of Australia such as Mutawinjti and Flinders Ranges present a striking contrast within the artistʼs imagery.¹

Daniel Pata has travelled extensively overseas, predominantly in France, including extended periods residing in Paris. Studying the work of the School of Paris, in particular, has had a significant influence on the nature of his work. This deep interest in France began with a residency at the Moya Dyring studio at the Cité Internationale des Arts, which was then extended to a studio in Montmartre, granted by the ʻVille de Parisʼ – a period of 6 months. This cemented a profound relationship with Paris for him and his late wife Anne, also a painter. Their frequent travels around France constitute a rich source of material involving both urban and rural subject matter. Much of Pataʼs work is painted directly from the subject, en plein air.¹

He has exhibited widely in Australia, Asia, France and the UK. A particular highlight was a travelling solo exhibition in France, 2004, entitled Echo de Lumière, featuring works of both French and Australian subjects. His work has been exhibited in group shows in Australia and internationally.Venues include London, Truro (Royal Cornwall Museum), Edinburgh, Shanghai (Shanghai Painting Institute), Watercolour Biennales of Busan, Korea and Mexico to most recently Traditions and Transformation Taiwan-Australia Watercolour Exhibition.¹

Pata is represented in corporate, public and private collections in Australia, France, the UK, China, Greece, Italy and the USA. Public collections include St. Peters College, Oxford University, Jinan province, Shanghai and the National Gallery, Canberra.¹

He has lectured at most Sydney art institutes and the National Art School.¹

Daniel Pata has been a member of the Australian Watercolour Institute since 2004, serving previously as Vice President.¹

The next painting we are going to look at today is Bush Onion Dreaming by Desmond Tjupurrula.

Desmond Tjupurrula was born in Alice Springs in 1973. He grew up in Mt Liebig (Watiyawanu) and attended school there. As a young man he moved to Haasts Bluff when offered work rounding up wild camels. He is married to Daphne Kantawarra and has 2 children, Anne-Marie and George Impu. Over the years Desmond observed his Grandfather, Bill Whiskey Tjapaltjarri, painting at Mt Liebig before Bill passed away in 2008. Before his Grandfather’s passing Desmond was given permission to paint certain important stories that Bill once depicted in his works. Very early in his painting career Desmond fell seriously ill. In need of a liver transplant he stayed in Adelaide for 6 months during 2009 waiting for his life-saving operation. Getting very homesick he almost gave up hope, until the day he was given the miraculous news that he was to receive the gift of a donor liver. Desmond returned to painting in late 2009, and can now continue painting the stories of his late Grandfather.²

Finally, for today's post, Andrew has submitted for hanging in the Simple Wonders exhibtion a painting by Mary Morton Kemarre

Mary Morton Kemarre (1931-2016) was a well known Utopia artist. She was involved in the batik movement established in the late 1970s in the Utopia Region, North East of Alice Springs, Northern Territory. ³

Mary painted her country (Antarrengeny) and the ceremonial body paint designs belonging to her country. She lived in the Utopia region with her large extended family ... and her four daughters, Lucky, Audrey, Sarah and Ruby are also well known in the Aboriginal art industry.³

The main mediums she worked in were: Acrylic on Canvas and Linen, Batik on Silk, Seed Jewellery, Wood Carving³

The subjects of her art works included: Country (Antarrengeny), Awelye (Women's Ceremony), Apeng (Kurrajong) Dreaming, Merne Altwerr (Split-Jack), Camp Scene, Awelye (Women's Ceremony) for Ngkweyang (Kurrajong Seed)³

The Simple Wonders exhibition is being held at the Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre from 23 August to 3 November 2024. If you missed the previous posts please use the search tool at the top of the post with the key words Simple Wonders to locate the previous posts.

We will return in a couple of days to look at the landscape works of Patrick Carroll and Jamie Boyd - both contemporary Australian artists.

<sup>Credits
1. awi.com.au/members/biographies/daniel-pata/
2. ikuntji.com.au/artist/desmond-impu-tjapaltjarri/
3. mbantua.com.au/our-artists/utopia-artists/mary-morton-kemarre/</sup>