Michael Jagamara (also spelt Jagamarra or Tjakamarra) was born some time around 1946-49 at Pikilyi (Vaughan Springs) west of Yuendemu, in Central Australia. He is a Warlpiri and Luritja speaker.

As a young boy, he was taught sand and body paintings and painting on shields by his grandfather. His country lies at the intersection of several major Dreaming paths and his paintings depict these many sacred sites. He is the custodian of many Dreaming stories and believes it is his responsibility to preserve, in paint and print, the stories which can assist the teaching of others about his tradition and culture.

Michael grew up in the bush and remembers hiding in fear at his first sight of white men at Mt D...