November 2007 marked the beginning of a new chapter in the illustrious story of art making at the remote desert community of Papunya. Nearly four decades earlier, this tiny community 240 kilometres northwest of Alice Springs, was the epicentre from which the jewels of desert painting first emerged. However, with the dawn of the homeland movement, many artists and residents left Papunya, returning to communities and townships nearer to their ancestral lands. The painting shed at Papunya was abandoned and those artists that remained were left with no place to work.

In October 2005 the artists of Papunya approached Professor Vivien Johnson of the College of Fine Arts (COFA), University of NSW to help them establish, for the first time, a community-based art centre in Papunya. Two years later, Papunya Tjupi commenced operations, forging a new renaissance in the desert.

Mossenson Galleries in conjunction with Papunya Tjupi Arts Aboriginal Corporation are proud to present a landmark exhibition celebrating the continuity of painting at one of Australia's most historic art desert communities. Kalipinypa: The Artists of Papunya Tjupi is the first Melbourne exhibition from this important new community art initiative.

Located northwest of Sandy Blight Junction, Kalipinypa is the site of a significant Kapi Tjukurrpa (or Water Dreaming). The story tells of an important rain making ceremony to evoke the elements. It is a powerful storm, bringing on the lightning, thunderclouds and rain, sending its deluge to rejuvenate the earth, filling rock holes, clay pans and creeks. It evokes the power to create new life and growth upon the land. Since painting commenced at Papunya in 1972, it has been an important and popular motif amongst Anangu artists, passed down to them by their elders.

Two elders in particular have distinguished themselves as masters of the Kalipinypa story: Johnny Warangkula Tjupurrula (c.1918-2001) and Long Jack Phillipus Tjakamarra (c.1932). Both artists helped forge the Papunya school in the early 1970s, and now Long Jack has played an important role as a founding member of Papunya Tjupi. Now it is the children and grandchildren of these great progenitors who are revitalizing painting at Papunya. Johnny Warangkula's children Dennis Nelson Tjakamarra, Candy Nakamarra, Narlie Nakamarra and Long Jack's daughter Charlotte Phillipus Napurrula are all represented in the exhibition. Some, like John Scott Rowe Tjakamarra (the nephew of the great Turkey Tolson Tjupurrula) are aged in their 20s, while others, like Tilau Nangala are elders in their own right. All contribute to the fine diversity of artistic experimentation at Papunya, finding new ways to depict their ancient stories.

Mossenson Galleries, in conjunction with Papunya Tjupi Aboriginal Corporation are proud to present Kalipinypa: The Artists of Papunya Tjupi. The exhibition features new works by Candy Nakamarra, Maureen Poulson Napangarti, Doris Bush Nungarrayi, Charlotte Phillipus Napurrula, John Scott Rowe Tjakamarra, Dennis Nelson Tjakamarra, Tilau Nangala, Ena Lane Napangarti, Lynn Ward, Punata Stockman Nungarrayi, Narlie Nakamarra, Martha McDonald Napaltjarri, and Morris Major Tjangala, alongside works by their precursors Long Jack Phillipus Tjakamarra and Johnny Warangkula Tjupurrula.

Kalipinypa: The Artists of Papunya Tjupi will be opened at 2pm on Saturday 17 October 2009 at 41 Derby Street, Collingwood. For more information please contact Mossenson Galleries Collingwood on (03) 9417 6694 or collingwood@mossensongalleries.com.au