Alfonso Puautjimi Australian, Tiwi, b. 1969

Alfonso is a widely exhibited major artist well known for his natural ochre works on paper and canvas. He has been painting since 1997 and the subject matter for his paintings is drawn from his environment. Images of Tutini (pukumani poles), carved heads, figures and birds as still life groupings of carvings and his imaginative versions of the local landscape including plants, animals and trees, boats, planes and cars are most frequently seen as well as abstract patterns based on Tiwi ceremonial body painting, known as Jilamara.

Alfonso uses bold brush strokes, generous paint application and applies black lines over broad areas of colour, finishing with another layer of colour. His paintwork has a strong textural effect. He has recently tried etching, with great success.