About Lionel Possum Tjungurrayi
Lionel Possum Tjungurrayi was the only son of Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri, a well-known Aboriginal artist, and the youngest of three siblings. From a young age, Lionel began painting with his sisters Gabriella and Michelle Possum. Lionel was taught by his father, who, like his sisters, is considered as one of the most significant painters from the original group of artists who founded the western desert art movement. Lionel’s work is deeply influenced by his father’s Dreamtime stories.
He combined strong figurative aspects with traditional Aboriginal dot painting techniques, as well as essential topography related with Clifford Possum’s dreaming places. Lionel paints with the same artistic mastery as Clifford, he also knew all of the songs and stories linked with the Aboriginal Dreamings he painted. He would sing and dance the Dreamtime story he was telling when he was encouraged, fulfilling his responsibility to keep the Dreaming alive. Lionel’s father had made sure he understood his responsibilities.