Categories: Papunya Tjupi Art Centre Aboriginal Corporation
Name: Keanu Nelson Tjakamarra
Language: Luritja
Community: Papunya
Biography:
Keanu grew up in Papunya Community and went to Papunya School. Keanu started painting in 2019 as part of the art centre's Men's Art and Cultural Revival movement with the opening of their men's space. Keanu comes from a strong and historic artistic family- with the renowned Michael Nelson Jagamarra and Liimpi Tjampitjimpa as his grandparents.
In August 2023, Keanu's work was exhibited as part of the Tjupi men's group show titled "Kuntarringanyi Wankantjaku (Too Shy to Speak)" at Coconut Studios, Darwin, NT. Keanu was involved in making sculptural heads and designed his own self portrait head which was showcased as part of the exhibition.
Later that year Keanu released an album on vinyl via Altered States Tapes which has been widely acclaimed throughout Australia. Keanu made album of the week for several radio stations including 8CCC, FBI Radio, 2SER, Triple R, PBS and RTRFM. His music has also been played on Triple J.
Keanu has expressed interest in playing a concert one day.
