Andrew Highfold - On the Lands

Andrew Tjupurrula Highfold paints aspects of his family’s Country as it changes between the long seasons of the Dry and the remarkable times when rain transforms the country. Andrew reconnected with his birth family when he was 24. He grew up in Crystal Brook in South Australia, adopted as part of the Stolen Generation. He completed a university degree and worked as an ambulance officer.

His reconnection with his extended birth family led him to research further into his own Aboriginal heritage. His work as a painter is part of this journey – Andrew says that his paintings come as gifts from his mother and grandmother’s spirits. Andrew uses highly detailed dotting techniques to bring his landscapes to life. He paints the creekbeds and rockholes on traditional country on APY Lands that were at the centre of family life in earlier times. His record of the way the country changes as the water sources are replenished also shows the land coming into bloom.

Japingka has presented Andrew Highfold’s artworks since 2020, including several group exhibitions. This solo exhibition is on display at Japingka Gallery until 22 March 2023.