Andrew Highfold Paintings

Who is Andrew Tjupurrula Highfold?

Andrew was born in 1958 and grew up in Adelaide. He was part of the Stolen Generation and began reconnecting with his traditional family when he was 24. Andrew worked as an ambulance officer for 11 years and assisted at the Royal Adelaide Medical School, building connections between Indigenous medical students and the broader medical profession.

What is Andrew Tjupurrula Highfold’s painting style?

Andrew Tjupurrula Highfold describes his art as ‘contemporary with traditional input.’ He captures the intensity of the Central Australian landscape through his use of colour and fine detail, depicting aspects of the natural world. He says ‘As a contemporary artist I ask my family what I can paint’, meaning that he consults about the content of his paintings while experimenting with the style and techniques to carry that story.

What are his traditional clan connections?

Eventually, in 2010, Andrew moved with his family to Alice Springs and began to build on his relationships with his extended Aboriginal family. Andrew’s traditional connections are to the Kokatha and Pitjantjatjara clans through his mother’s family.

When did Andrew start painting?

Several years later, in 2012, Andrew began painting, talking with family members and recording his sense of Country and the way people were closely involved in Country. Andrew describes it this way – ‘Through my painting, it really connects me to who I am. It strengthens my Aboriginality. It brings my family together. When I was in Alice and painting, it would all bring us together. My brothers would come around, and they would sing to the paintings. Painting is good for my kids, and it documents that historical kinship.’

Andrew continues the journey which is about heritage, family, culture and identity. His paintings are statements on the importance of the values that are transferred in families and through culture.

Aboriginal Art Status

Rising Star

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Featuring Andrew Tjupurrula Highfold