John and Barbara Wilkerson are collectors and advocates of Indigenous Australian art, particularly known for their extensive collection of early Papunya boards and Western Desert paintings. Based in New York, their passion for Aboriginal art began in 1994 during a visit to Australia, leading them to amass one of the most significant private collections of early Papunya works. Their collecting philosophy embraces connoisseurship, research and education. Two Collections is their most recent educational initiative.
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Photo by Michael Jensen
(From left) Old Walter Tjampitjinpa with Rainbow and Water Story, Johnny Warangkula Tjupurrula with Water Dreaming at KalipinypaIn 1971, at the settlement of Papunya in the Western Desert of Australia, the Sydney school teacher, Geoffrey Bardon provided Aboriginal law men with art materials and encouraged them to paint. The resulting works are among the first paintings ever to systematically transfer the designs of desert ceremonial imagery to a permanent surface. -
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