TIMOTHY COOK

Timothy Cook (b. 1958) is a distinguished Tiwi artist from Melville Island, part of the Tiwi Islands off the coast of Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. He has been an active member of the Jilamara Arts & Crafts Association in Milikapiti since the late 1990s, where he engages in painting, printmaking, and carving. 

 

Cook's artwork is deeply rooted in Tiwi traditions, drawing inspiration from ancestral designs known as parlingarri jilamara, which have been passed down through generations. His pieces often depict themes central to Tiwi culture, including the Pukamani (mourning ceremony) and Kulama (coming-of-age ceremony). 

 

Working exclusively with natural ochres, Cook's creations are characterized by loose, gestural designs and intricate dot work. His distinctive style has garnered significant recognition, leading to his works being featured in major national and international collections. 

 

Throughout his career, Cook has achieved notable accolades:

• 2012: Winner of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award. 

• 2019: Shortlisted for the Hadley Art Award. 

• 2020: Finalist in the Wynne Prize. 

• 2021: Recipient of the National Arts and Disability Award for Established Artist. 

• 2023: Finalist in the Sulman Prize. 

 

Cook's dedication to preserving and innovating Tiwi artistic traditions has solidified his reputation as one of the most celebrated artists from the Tiwi Islands.

Ochres on linen is a common technique in Aboriginal art, especially among artists from the Northern Territory and Kimberley regions. Ochres are natural earth pigments derived from minerals, including red, yellow, white, and black, and have been used in Aboriginal art for thousands of years.

When applied to linen, a modern alternative to traditional bark or rock surfaces, ochres create a rich, textured effect while maintaining the deep cultural significance of these pigments. The process typically involves grinding ochres into a fine powder, mixing them with a natural binder (like water or fixatives), and applying them using brushes or fingers.

This combination allows artists to continue their ancestral traditions while adapting to contemporary materials, ensuring broader accessibility for collectors and galleries.