Billy Thomas Joongoorra "Waringarri"

Acrylics and Ochres on Cotton Duck Canvas. 100 x 80 cms. Billy (c.1920 – 2012) began painting for Waringarri Arts in Kununurra in 1995. He was already in his seventies and like his friend and fellow artist Rover Thomas had spent his youthful years droving cattle on the Canning Stock Route, deep in the remote desert regions of Western Australia. He knew his country intimately and never ceased his ceremonial immersion and involvement within it. He was revered as a senior lawman and healer, custodian of secret initiation rites and ceremonial songlines. His paintings are held in state and private collections worldwide, 

COLLECTIONS
Australian National Maritime Museum, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Australian National Gallery, Canberra, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, Museum and Art Galleries of the Northern Territory, Darwin
Art Gallery of Western Australia, Perth, Kerry Stokes Collection, Mary M'acha Collection, Australian Capital Equity, Perth, Wesfarmers Collection, Perth
Edith Cowan University, Perth Private Collections world-wide