Timothy Cook / Australia b.1958 / Kulama 2003 / Natural pigments on canvas / 150 x 60cm / The Xstrata Coal Indigenous Art Collection. Purchased 2005 with funds from Xstrata Coal through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Timothy Cook

Timothy Cook
Kulama 2003

Not Currently on Display

This painting depicts the important Tiwi Kulama ceremony, which celebrates the harvesting of kulama (yams).

The ceremony occurs after the wet season each year, toward the end of February or early March, and runs over three days so the poisonous yams have time to leech out their toxins. During this time initiation takes place, family names are given to children, and relationships with deceased ancestors are observed. The Tiwi believe that observing this ceremony is auspicious for health, hunting and good marriages.

The Kulama ceremony was begun by the ancestral owl, Purukikini. Purukapali and Tapara were the first people to sing about the Kulama ceremony. During the ceremony participants paint their heads, chests and lower arms in white ochre and also cover their faces in white to represent Purukikini. Boys are initiated into manhood at these ceremonies, each going through five stages over five ceremonies.

The first stage commences when a boy is nine or ten years old; the final stage is completed when he reaches about 24. Through each of these stages the boy is instructed in Tiwi customs, law, history and religious ritual. In this painting, Cook contrasts black and white, and vibrant red and yellow ochres on a white background to create a striking composition.

Timothy Cook was born into the House Fly skin group of the Tiwi people at Milikapiti, Melville Island, in 1958. His ‘murrakapupuni’ (country) is centred on Goose Creek. Cook is one of the leading practitioners among a group of younger-generation emerging Tiwi artists who are rapidly gaining acclaim.

Cook paints in a free and gestural style reminiscent of many older Tiwi artists, such as the late Kitty Kantilla and Freda Warlpini. Bold lines, shapes and circles, and contrasts gained through the thick application of natural pigments, produces the striking, free-flowing paintings for which Cook is recognised. Jilamara, Milikapiti, Melville Island is Cook’s own unique jilamara painting, specifically based on the region where he lives.

Discussion Questions

When you look at Kulama 2003, what stands out the most? In small groups, decide on what you think is the most effective technique that Timothy Cook uses to bring elements forward.

Classroom Activities

Paint thick and thin white lines on black paper. When dry, paint brightly coloured geometric shapes over the lines. Repeat using white paper as the background and paint thin and thick black lines on the paper. Compare the two artworks to see which shapes or lines stand out.