A Secondary Eye is pleased to present this non-commercial exhibition which commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Pintupi Nine’s emergence from the Great Sandy Desert. 

Forty years ago, in October 1984, nine First Nations Australians from the Pintupi language group emerged from the desert near Kiwirrkurra, marking a significant cultural and historical moment in Australia. These “Last Nomads” were the last indigenous people to make contact with Western society and their arrival captured headlines around the world. The exhibition will explore their journey, the significance of their return to society, and the subsequent artwork that was produced by this group.

Seven of the nine members went on to paint for Papunya  Artists, who  played an important role in facilitating the devolopment and promotion of their careers.  Two members, Warlimpirrnga Tjapaltjarri and Yukultji Napangardi, have since achieved world recognition with solo-exhibitions in New York and elsewhere.  All seven artists have work represented in this exhibition.

The centrepiece of the exhibition is an artwork by Warlimpirrnga Tjapaltjarri from the collection of the late Tim Klingender. The painting was generously included by his wife Skye Klingender who still continues Tim Klingender Fine Art in Sydney. Tim Klingender Fine Art is a welcome partner in this exhibition who also recognises the importance of this historical event. The remaining artworks were all kindly lent from clients of A Secondary Eye.