Tiger Yaltangki
Malpa Wiru - Good Friends, 2021
pigmented ink, charcoal and pencil on paper
2 panels, each 122 x 76 cm 

Artist statement

Tiger Yaltangki is a vibrant and prolific artist from Indulkana Community on the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands. Predominantly non-verbal, Yaltangki’s artistic practice represents a vital means of self-expression for the artist, creating a whimsical visual universe merging elements from his traditional Aṉangu knowledge and his love of popular culture, science fiction and music, especially the rock and roll of AC/DC. 

Malpa Wiru - Good Friends in Yaltangki’s diptych are the artist’s interpretation of Aṉangu Mamu (spirit beings), figures that derive from the artist’s inherited knowledge and are influenced by references to popular culture and contemporary life in the Indulkana community – including Yaltangki’s trademark Akubra hat.

Artist bio

Tiger Yaltangki is one of Australia’s most innovative contemporary artists, whose dynamic and highly original works transcend artistic and cultural boundaries. Yaltangki, an Anangu artist from Indulkana Community on the APY Lands in the remote north-west of South Australia, merges traditional Anangu references, such as ‘Mamu’ spirit beings, with his avid appreciation for popular culture, in particular his obsession with the music and iconography of iconic bands such as AC/DC. 
Yaltangki draws together Indigenous and popular mythologies in a joyous celebration of all that holds meaning for the artist and inspires and empowers his self-expression. Tiger Yaltangki is represented by Alcaston Gallery in Melbourne.

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