Clifford Brooks
Born 1959
Kartujarra, Manyjilyjarra language groups, Karimarra skin group
Wiluna
Birriliburu Artists, Tjukurba Gallery
Clifford Brooks was born at Jigalong mission. He went to school on the mission and later in Port Hedland, returning to Jigalong to work as a builder and cattleman. In the 1990s he was the chairperson of the community. In recent years Clifford has explored his artistic heritage through the story of his father’s brother, Rover Thomas.
Lake Disappointment
2007, by Clifford Brooks
acrylic on canvas, 152×95 cm
Birriliburu Artists, Tjukurba Gallery
National Museum of Australia
Clifford’s father set off in search of his brother Rover Thomas from Martilirri (Well 22), just north of Lake Disappointment. Clifford painted this canvas on his return from the 2007 ‘return to Country’ trip, having been given permission to paint this area by Jeffrey James, who, like Clifford’s fathers, also belongs to Kunawarritji (Well 33).
