Alfonso (L) and Graham (R) with a football
Alfonso (L) and Graham (R) with a football by Alfonso Puautjimi (Ngaruwanajirri)
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Alfonso Puautjimi is a widely exhibited artist well known for his natural ochre works on paper and canvas, and has been painting with the Ngaruwanajirri group since 1997.
The themes of his paintings are drawn from his culture and environment. Images of Tutini [pukumani poles], figures and birds in still life groupings of carvings as seen in the art centre and his imaginative versions of the local landscape including plants, animals and trees, boats, planes and cars are most frequently seen as well as abstract patterns based on Tiwi ceremonial body painting, known as Jilamara.
Alfonso applies natural ochres on to paper and canvas. With bold brush strokes and generous paint application he applies black outlines over broad areas of colour, finishing with another layer of colour. The resulting art has an earthy tactile texture. Recently he has tried etching with great success.
Alfonso has been a continuous presence at the Ngaruwanajirri Art Centre for over two decades and has exhibited extensively since 2002 including solo exhibitions in NSW and Vic.
Alfonso’s work is held in public and private collections including the Charles Darwin University Art Collection, Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education, the Art Gallery of South Australia, Newcastle University Art Collection NSW and the Lam Collection, University of San Antonio, USA.
Alfonso was a finalist in the 2024 Telstra NATSIAA.
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
Coinciding with AFL Gather Round 2026, Game On celebrates the passion, energy, and culture of Australian Rules Football in all its colourful glory! This dynamic exhibition brings together First Nations artists from across the country to explore the essence of the great Aussie game.
From the roar of the crowd to the thrill of a last-minute goal, each artwork captures the movement, emotion, and deep community connection that make footy more than just a sport. Representing a variety of teams, players, and iconic moments, Game On pays tribute to the shared traditions and rivalries that define Australian Rules Football.
Dimensions: 580 x 380
Material: natural ochres on Saunders Waterford paper
Catalogue Number: 954-25
Due to the handmade nature of the products dimensions may vary on individual pieces.
Purchases from our shops directly support individual artists as well as our unique exhibition and training programs.
Handmade in Australia.
THIS PIECE IS ON DISPLAY AS PART OF THE 'GAME ON' EXHIBITION.
THE EXHIBITION RUNS UNTIL JUNE 21st 2026. ANY SOLD WORK WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION OR DELIVERY IN EARLY JULY 2026.